FAQ
Frequently Asked Lawn Maintenance Questions
In an effort to help home and business owners preserve a healthy, green lawn we’ve compiled some quick answers to commonly asked lawn maintenance questions. Don’t hesitate to contact the team at Kendall Lawn Care if you have a query not addressed in this FAQ.
How long do I have to stay off the lawn?
After your lawn has been treated with a liquid application, people and pets may resume all activities as soon as the lawn is dry. This is usually under 2 hours. Please read the instructions on your statement or invoice after each visit for additional instructions.
When should I cut my grass?
Your lawn cutting height should be kept at a height of 2.5-3” long. No more than 1/3 of the blade of grass should be cut off in one mowing. Grass may require more frequent mowing in the spring and fall when the weather is cool and wet. During the hot summer months you may not need to cut as frequently. Try not cut your lawn during the hottest part of the day or if the lawn is wet.
Is a sharp lawnmower blade important?
A sharp mower blade is very important. A dull mower blade rips and tears the grass blades. This increases plant injury. The ragged edges serve as ideal entry point for various diseases because they do not heal as well or as quickly. This is especially visible in hot weather when the tips dry out and turn brown. Depending on how frequent you mow your lawn you may need to sharpen your mower blade 1 – 2 times during the season.
Should I remove the grass clippings?
No, grass clippings should be left on the lawn after a cut. Grass clippings consist of about 90% water. Plus, they are high in protein and help the lawn to decompose while adding nutrients to the soil. Grass cycling also reduces waste and conserves landfill space. It is only necessary to remove the clippings if they are long and left laying on top which prevents exposure to sunlight. If you only cut the top 1/3 of the grass blade off, you should never have to remove the clippings.
How much water does my lawn need?
Most lawns need about 1 1/2″ of water per week at one time. Not every lawn is the same. Soil type, slope, shade, direct sun, proximity to asphalt or concrete (curbs, paving stone, driveways etc.), and type of grass all influence how much and how often you may need to water your lawn.
An easy way of telling if your lawn needs water is if your footprints are still visible after you walk across your lawn and the grass doesn’t spring back up. Another indicator is if your lawn is turning a smoky blue-grey colour. When you’re ready, early morning is the best time to water your lawn. The soil will absorb more of the water and less will be lost to evaporation. Regular, deep watering is better than a daily light sprinkling. Deep watering and allowing the lawn to dry out will force the roots to grow deeper in the soil which creates a stronger, healthier plant that is more resistant to disease, insects, and drought.
Is fertilizer important?
Yes it is. Fertilizer provides nutrients for the soil and grass. Fertilizer increases shoot growth, root growth, green colour, resistance to weeds, resistance to certain diseases, resistance to extreme temperatures, and recuperation from injury. Fertilizer should be applied between April and November. The type of fertilizer used and the rate it is applied is also very important. The fertilizers used by Kendall Lawn Care are of the highest quality and are custom blended for us. The fertilizer is applied evenly and in precise amounts which will prevent burning or leaving stripes on the lawn.
Do I need weed control?
At Kendall Lawn Care we understand that every lawn and every property owner is different. Whether you wish to revive a worn out lawn or simply maintain the one you’ve got, our team can meet your expectations and create a healthy, sustainable lawn. It’s easy!
When you purchase a seasonal program, we continually monitor your lawn and treat potential problems before serious damage may occur. So, give us a call, we’ll listen to your concerns, make recommendations based on our analysis of your lawn and provide a free estimate. You may choose one of our existing programs, or we can help you create a custom program based on your specific needs and budget. Whichever you choose, you’ll be one step closer to a greener lawn!
Contact Kendall Lawn Care to start your program today!
Can I control weeds myself?
You can remove weeds by pulling or digging the plant out by the root. However, there are several negative consequences with this method:
- It is labour intensive and physically demanding especially on your back, knees and shoulders.
- It is very time consuming.
- If you leave any portion of the root in the soil you have in essence pruned the weed and it will grow back larger than before.
Finally, by disturbing the soil around the weed, you will be creating an uneven surface that is prone to erosion by water and wind and therefore results in a very bumpy lawn. The best way to control weeds is through an integrated and preventative approach.
Is there a risk to my children and pets after a treatment has been applied?
In short, always follow your lawn care provider’s instructions. In most cases, a liquid application takes less than 2 hours to completely dry. Once the application has dried, it’s close to impossible to remove any residues from your lawn.
Who registers lawn care products in Canada?
Canada has one of the most rigorous pesticide regulatory systems in the world, administered by The Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada. Toxicologists evaluate the safety and effectiveness of all pesticides available for commercial and residential use in the country. The products available for use in and outside of our homes are safe for people, animals and the environment.
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