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. Because they are high in protein they should be left on the lawn to decompose and add 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. 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 extremes of temperature, and recuperation from injury. Fertilizer should be applied 3-4 times per year between April and November. The type of fertilizer used and the rate it is applied at 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?

You may not realize it but your lawn is in competition with weeds, insects, and unsightly field grasses for space on your property. Weeds compete with your lawn for water, space, light and nutrients. Weeds can and will take over a lawn if they are not controlled. Weed control is just one tool to keep weeds down and give your lawn a fighting chance. Keeping your lawn thick and healthy with aeration, overseeding, and fertilizer in addition to proper watering and mowing will also help prevent major weed infestations.

Weeds can also be controlled by pulling or digging the plant out by the root. There are several negative consequences with this method. First, it is labour intensive and physically demanding especially on your back, knees and shoulders. Secondly, it is very time consuming. Third, 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 creating a very bumpy lawn. Conversely, weeds that die due to weed control are simply having their growth cycle interrupted and the weed is gradually absorbed back into the soil where it breaks down and increases microbial activity in the soil.

Is there a risk to my children and pets after a pesticide has been applied?

Follow your lawn care professional's written instructions and remain off a treated lawn until it has dried. When the material is applied to a lawn, it dries very quickly. Once the product has dried on the lawn it is almost impossible to remove any residues from the lawn.

Bystander exposure studies performed at the University of Guelph revealed no detectable levels of pesticide residues in homeowners that were casual observers to applications. In fact, these products contain carbon which is an essential ingredient that increases microbial activity in soil (this is a good thing!).

Who registers pesticides in Canada?

Canada has one of the most stringent pesticide regulatory systems in the world. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada registers all pesticides marketed in Canada. The safety and effectiveness of each product is thoroughly evaluated by toxicologists to ensure products meet strict safety standards. In most cases, pesticides are subject to more testing than pharmaceutical drugs. Professional applicators are highly trained and adhere to all provincial regulations concerning pesticide use.

The pest management products that are available to the homeowner for use on lawns are virtually the same products that commercial lawn care companies use. Like other products used in and around the home (such as paints, cleaners, medicines, fuels, pesticides) they should always be used responsibly and only when needed. When pesticides are used and stored according to their directions they are safe for people, pets and the environment.

What do the experts say about 2, 4 D? (Even though it is now banned in Ontario for home use!)

Health Canada evaluates all pest control products. 2, 4 D, the product that’s commonly used for weed control, is among the most highly tested products in the world. This product has been used on lawns, golf courses, parks and other turf areas for over thirty years. When applied by trained technicians, according to their directions, it effectively controls broadleaf weeds without posing unacceptable risks to people, pets or the environment. In fact there is extensive research available to support the continued responsible use of this product.

Independent scientific panels have reviewed both the toxicology and epidemiology data of 2, 4 D in the last ten years. All panels concluded that no cause and effect relationship has been established between 2, 4 D and cancer and/or that the continued use of 2, 4 D poses no unreasonable risk to people, pets or the environment. Copies of the reports are available on the internet at www.24d.org.