Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to fertilize my yard?
Lawns really only need to be fertilized in the fall. Fertilizing in the spring causes a lot of blade growth at the expense of root growth. Excessive blade growth makes you mow more often. Also, spring fertilization makes yards more susceptible to drought and disease problems.
When do I need to apply crabgrass control?
Apply crabgrass control by April 15. Use the kind that comes without a fertilizer. This product is available at farm supply stores. If you had a bad problem with crabgrass in previous years, a second application may be applied around the middle of June. Note: these granular products only control crabgrass that has not come up. Preexisting crabgrass will need to be sprayed with a liquid product, such as MSMA or DSMA.
Do I need to apply products for grub control?
Some grubs in the lawn are normal. When you start seeing more than 30 per square foot, then you will need to consider grub products. Contact us for details.
Do you have other information about lawn care?
Yes, see our Spring Lawn care information, or our Fall Lawn care information.
What can I do about moles?
Trap 'em. Use a harpoon trap. It may take 3 weeks or longer to catch them. See our mole publication for more information.
When can I prune my trees?
It's best to prune your deciduous trees in the early spring, before the buds open. However, light pruning can be done year round.
See our pruning list for trees
How do I do it?
Look at an old branch first and look for the swelling at the point where the branch attaches to the trunk. This is called the branch collar. First, remove all the excess weight from the branch, leaving about a foot of branch left to make the final cut. Then, use your pruners or pruning saw to cut just outside the branch collar. You want to make as smooth a cut as possible. Do not apply pruning paint.
Also see the following publication: Pruning Landscape Trees
See the following drawings for deciduous trees
See the following drawing for conifers (pines, spruce)
When can I prune my shrubs?
See our pruning list for shrubs
Also see the following publication: Pruning Landscape Shrubs
How do I do it?
Plant the right tree or shrub in the right place - plant selection is key
NOTE: Sample lawns, flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscape areas separately, due to the different nutritional needs of these plants.
How do I take a soil sample for my yard?
Sample 12-15 random samples at a 2" depth. Avoid sampling near driveways, sidewalks, and foundations.
Also see our soil sampling publication.
How do I take a soil sample for my garden?
Sample 12-15 random samples at a 8-12" depth. The better the sample you take, the better your results will be.
Also see our soil sampling publication.
How do I take a soil sample for my fruit trees?
Sample 12-15 random samples at a 12-18" depth. The better the sample you take, the better your results will be.
Also see our soil sampling publication.
How do I take a soil sample for my grape arbor?
Sample 12-15 random samples at a 8-12" depth. The better the sample you take, the better your results will be.
Also see our soil sampling publication.
How do I tell the difference between termites and ants?
Ants have a well defined waistline, while termites do not. Termites also have wings that may fall off. For more information see the following publications:
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