Learning center
Lawn care FAQ
27 answers to the questions our customers ask most, from watering and mowing to mosquitoes, trees and pests.
4 questions
Lawn Maintenance
Why is weed control important for my lawn?
Weeds compete with grass for space, water, nutrients and light. They can be very aggressive and take over a lawn quickly if not kept in check. Proper mowing, watering and fertilizing help control weeds more than anything; a thick lawn has a better chance to choke out weeds. Unfortunately, there are no preventive broadleaf weed products on the market, so we have to stay on them as they come up throughout the season (spring and fall).
Why is lawn fertilizer so important?
Lawns require fertilizer to maintain health and vigor. The key is applying the correct fertilizer at the right time. A well-fertilized lawn is healthier and thicker, which helps it fight weeds, drought and disease. A slow-release nitrogen should be used to prevent excessive top growth, because the roots are the key to any plant’s survival. The healthier the plant the better, and fertilizer is a critical part of a beautiful lawn.
What are the ideal mowing heights?
In inches: Bermudagrass ¾ to 1½; centipede 1 to 2; zoysia ½ to 1; fine fescue 2 to 3; Kentucky bluegrass 1½ to 2½; perennial ryegrass 1½ to 2½; tall fescue 2 to 3.
How much water should my lawn get?
Typically a lawn needs 1 to 1½ inches of water each week (630 to 945 gallons per 1,000 square feet), according to the University of Tennessee Extension: “Water deeply and infrequently, thoroughly moistening the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.” Ideally, water between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.; if that’s not possible, try 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 3 p.m. Watering then loses less to evaporation and keeps moisture from lingering on the grass and causing disease.
4 questions
Aeration & Seeding
What helps the seeds have a better chance of thriving?
Keep the soil moist for the first four weeks after seeding, because the tiny roots of newly germinated grass are shallow and can dry out and die quickly. That means watering the newly seeded areas lightly each morning. After four weeks, water it like a mature lawn. Wait until the grass is a third higher than you normally mow before cutting; keep the mower blade sharp, mow only when the lawn is dry, take corners gently for the first few mowings, and mow before watering.
Can weed control or pre-emergent disrupt the seeding process?
Yes. Most broadleaf weed control products need to be on the lawn at least 7–10 days ahead of seeding, and they can’t be applied again until the new lawn has been mowed once or twice. A pre-emergent keeps new seed from germinating, so if you applied a pre-emergent in the spring, you won’t be able to seed until the fall.
Do I need to core aerate my lawn?
Core aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. Our lawns are mostly clay based and very tight and compacted. Aeration removes soil cores and reduces compaction and thatch, which lets air, water and nutrients move better. With the cores out, grass roots can spread — and the healthier the root, the healthier the plant.
Should I aerate and seed even if my grass is thick?
Yes. It is always a good idea to introduce improved fescue varieties; newer varieties generally resist drought and disease better.
6 questions
Mosquito Control
Is it safe for the kids and pets?
The products we use are regulated by the EPA, and we follow those guidelines to make sure we are environmentally friendly and delivering results. The active ingredients in our products are also found in household pet shampoos and canned bug sprays.
How long does the mosquito treatment last?
Thirty days is the typical time the products stay where they were applied. We schedule the next visit in time to connect the treatments, so your property keeps the most protection.
How are you going to treat my mosquitoes?
We use an industry-specific backpack mister with the highest-quality products in the mix. We treat the shrubs and plants with a barrier spray that kills mosquitoes on contact and sticks to the leaves, where it stays as a residual until your next scheduled visit from your LawnWise mosquito specialist.
Will rain take away the effects of the treatment?
Give the application 20–30 minutes to dry, and rain or water should not wash the product away. If it does, give us a call and we will make it right for you.
How long after a mosquito treatment can the kids and pets play in the yard?
After 20–30 minutes the treatment should be dry, and it’s fine for kids and pets to play on the lawn.
Will the mosquito control application harm any plants or edible gardens?
No. The products we use have no effect on those plants. The product is industry specific, and we make sure we leave the property better than we found it.
9 questions
Tree & Shrub Care
There are still bagworms on my trees and shrubs after treatment. Will they fall off?
Bagworm cocoons stay attached to the plant even after the larvae have died. We suggest pulling the cocoons off and throwing them away after several weeks.
When is it safe to re-enter an area that has been treated?
Almost all of the materials we use are considered safe once they are dry, which may take only 10–15 minutes after treatment. If we apply a product that requires a specific re-entry wait, we will let you know.
My trees do not seem to have responded after fertilization. What should I expect to see?
Trees generally take a long time to respond to fertilization. Often they take many weeks to show new growth, and they may take months to take up the fertilizer.
What will your tree and shrub program consist of?
We keep a continuous eye on the landscape to make sure its health is at its fullest. We do disease treatments and insect treatments, and we fertilize with micronutrients so the plants stay fed and healthy.
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of using improved sanitation, exclusion, cultural controls, habitat changes, trapping and targeted pesticide applications to control or reduce pest problems. In other words, we use knowledge and common sense to prevent pests, not just pesticides.
What’s that green stuff growing on the base of my tree?
Usually it’s algae or lichen, and neither will damage the tree. In some cases it’s a sign the tree isn’t getting enough sun.
How can you tell if a sick tree can be saved?
We need to find out what is causing the sickness, then make an action plan to get it back to health. With LawnWise’s experience and training we will see whether the tree can be saved. We can’t guarantee that a tree can be saved, but we promise it will get our full attention and the best management practices to do all that we can.
How much mulch should I put around my trees and shrubs?
Make mulch rings and beds as wide as you can visually tolerate, but don’t pile mulch up against stems and trunks — it holds moisture and can cause problems later. If mulch is piled up on your plants now, spread it out gently. Trees love a mulch ring.
What are the benefits of tree and shrub care?
Replacing trees and shrubs is expensive, and we want to prevent that as much as possible. These plants add significant value to a property — we’ve heard estimates as high as 25% — and a healthy, colorful landscape makes a home more appealing and its outdoor space more enjoyable.
4 questions
Pest Control
Is it safe for my pet to go outside after spraying?
Every pesticide requires that pets and people avoid treated surfaces until they are dry; that is the minimum standard for all products. Once the products dry, nothing transfers to skin or paws.
How are pests getting inside my house?
Many spots outside a home attract pests or make it easy for them: vents, windows, eaves, debris around the house, landscaping and so on. Before treating, a LawnWise specialist walks around your home to find the problem areas and is ready to fix them right away.
Do you have contracts?
No contracts at LawnWise. We want to earn your business every visit, and we’re confident you’ll love the service and always know we are doing our best for you.
When I call the office with a pest issue, how soon can you be out?
We promised you our best and we will honor that. We treat any issue with urgency and do all that we can to be there within 2 days.