FAQ

Weekly mowing is crucial for lawn health during the growing season. Not mowing frequently enough results in the lawn getting too tall, not only stressing or damaging your mower, but also stressing the lawn after cut. No more than the top 1/3 of hight should be cut in a single mowing session. Cutting more than the top 1/3 of lawn height can result in stress, disease, or infection. Certain warm season turfs such as bermuda grass, can appear scalped because bermuda grass blades only turn green at the tips. We primarily mow weekly, however we do offer biweekly service at a slightly higher per-cut price.

Fertilizers all come with a label that includes 3 primary numbers. The first represents nitrogen, the second represents phosphorus, and the third represents potassium, all three being equally important for lawn health. Nitrogen boosts photosynthesis, resulting in a greener, lusher lawn. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers will yield the most noticable immediate results, and are best applied during the spring. Phosphorus strengthens roots, allows for for better nutrient absorption, and aids in seed development. Fertilizers high in phosphorus are optimal for aiding in new growth after aeration & seeding of fescue grass in the fall. For example, we commonly use 18-24-12 fertilizer (often called "a starter fertilizer") due to it's high content of phosphorus. Finally, Potassium helps lawns withstand drought, stress, cold weather, and disease by strengthening the plant's cell walls. Almost no fertilizers should be applied during the summer months, as the nitrogen has the potential of causing burns or stress to your lawn. 

It most important to stop weed growth before germination. It is much more difficult to kill off established weeds, than it is to prevent them at the start of the season. Pre-emergent is your best friend in this regard. Pre-emergent is a granular lawn treatment that includes prodiamine, the active chemical responsible for pre-emergence weed control. The best time to apply pre-emergent is during the winter & early spring, before any weeds can sprout. Doing multiple applications can increase it's effectiveness, however don't over-apply. Since most pre-emergents also contain fertilizer to help jump-start your grass, you have to be careful, as you would with any other fertilzer. An excess of pre-emergent, or pre-emergent applied during hotter months can end with your lawn getting burnt up. You can also apply it in the fall (make sure the temperatures have cooled off), but NEVER apply pre-emergent or any type of herbicide directly after aeration & seeding (if you have fescue.)

It depends on the type of grass you have. Cool season turfs such as fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass thrive at higher hights. Generally it is a good idea to cut these types of grasses between 3.5-5". We maintain our cool season lawns around 4-4.5". If you have a warm season turf such as Bermuda grass, zoysia, or centipede, you'll want to cut it shorter. It is optimum to use a reel mower to cut these grasses, as it will deliver a clean cut at very low heights. With traditional rotary mowers, scalping can sometimes occor if cut too low. We maintain our warm season lawns around 2-3" with our commercial mowers. 

North Carolina is categorized as a "transition zone" in terms of turf types. This means that we have both cool season and warm season grasses. Cool season grasses (including fescue, and ryegrass) stays green year-round, however it tends to suffer during the summer due to the heat. Warm season grasses (such as bermuda, zoysia, and centipede) are dormant during the winter and retain a white/brown color. They typically start to turn green in April, and grow rapidly throughout the summer months. If your lawn is white during the winter months, you have a warm season turf.

Have you spent time and money watering and fertilizing your lawn, just for it to remain unhealthy. It may be due to numerous factors, such as soil type, and most common, shade. Having a little bit of shade is alright for a lawn, however if you live in a forest or heavily wooded area, it can be nearly impossible to grow turfgrass that lives and stays weed-free. Luckily, your not alone. There are many different grass-free lawn options to pick from. If you'd like to emulate the appearance of a green lawn, moss might be for you. A mossy lawn stays green year-round and requires virtually zero maintenance. It is very shade tolerant, in fact it thrives in ultra-shady environments! If that's not quite your style, you also can landscape the area. If you decide to take this route, the options are endless! You would want to start off with a mulch or pinestraw base. Next, you can fill the space with plants/bushes, paver walkways, a french drain, raised beds, a patio, fire pit, or water feature. If you need help coming up with a plan for your outdoor living area, or executing that plan, dont hesitate to call on March Property Services! We can help you come up with a design/plan thats tailored to fit your budget, and bring it all to life!