Visit our "Recommendations" page.

     No, as a general rule, "Natural" pesticides are not any safer than Synthetic pesticides.  "All substances are toxic...there is none that is not.  It is the dose that differentiates a poison from a remedy" stated Paracelsus, the father of modern toxicology.  For example: We can safely take aspirin for pain if we observe the guidelines on the product label.  If we ignore the instructions and take 10 times the proper dose, we risk illness or death.  Likewise, the proper dose of insecticides will control the pests and minimize the risk to people, pets and the environment.  When using both "natural" or synthetic pesticides, be sure to follow the proper guidelines.

    The media has widely publicized concern that pesticides can cause birth defects or cancer.  While this is open to debate, health surveys should allay your fears.

    Health surveys of thousands of people involved in pest management industries have shown no increase of cancer or birth defects when compared with people who do not have this level of exposure to pesticides.  The American Cancer Society publicly states that U.S. cancer rates have declined with the exception of lung cancer and skin cancer.  Dr. Bruce Ames, an expert on cancer causes states 99.9% of the potential cancer-causing materials we are exposed to are present as natural ingredients in the environment.

Visit our "Recommendations" page.

    Evaporation loss can be 60% higher during the day, so water during the cool, early morning hours to minimize water loss by evaporation and to discourage disease.  By watering in the early morning hours, when the grass is already wet from the dew, you do not really alter the natural state of the grass.  If you must water in the late afternoon, stop watering soon enough before dark to allow the grass time to dry so that fungus diseases are not encouraged.

See our Watering & Sprinkler page.

     For most Florida soils, an average of ½ to ¾ of an inch of water per application is enough to replenish the grass.  It is best to saturate the root zone, then let the soil dry to encourage healthy, deep root growth.

     To determine how long you should run your sprinkler, place several empty straight-sided cans or cups at different distances within one zone. (Uniform coffee mugs work well.)  Run the sprinkler for 15 minutes and measure the amount of water collected in each can. Calculate an average water depth and determine how long it will take to apply ½ to ¾ of an inch of water.

Example: 

• ¼" average deapth of water after 15 minutes - water 35-50 minutes in that zone.
• ½" average depth of water after 15 minutes - water 20-30 minutes in that zone. 

 See our Watering & Sprinkler page.

March through early June

     March until the rainy season begins, usually in mid-June, is usually the driest time of the year in southwest Florida.  Often we receive just trace amounts of rain in May.  This is the most important time of year to be diligent with watering your lawn.  If the watering restrictions in your area allow for twice per week watering, and you apply the recommended amount of water each cycle, then your lawn will do just fine.  However, if you are only permitted watering once per week, then you should expect damage in some parts of your lawn.  A 7 day watering interval is too long for Floratam when long, hot and sunny days are the rule.  When the rains return, your Floratam will recover unless you failed to sprinkle heavily on your permitted watering day.   Local Water Regulations

June through September

     Twice per week watering is needed throughout this entire summer period.  If the rains stop for a week, you must irrigate to avoid damage.  However, because it often rains several times per week, you may not need to sprinkle at all.

October through February   

     During this period your Floratam will need less frequent water inputs.  Especially as the days get shorter and the daytime temperatures moderate into the 80’s and even the 70’s.  If daytime temperatures range in the 60’s to low 70’s, your can do without any additional sprinkling.

See our Watering & Sprinkler Page.

Please visit our Fertilzation Ordinances page.

Schedule a treatment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!  Visit our "Bed Bugs" page for more information!

     Some of the larger, nationwide competitors will heavily solicit entire neighborhoods at a time.  These solicitation compaigns have become more frequent during the recession.  If they say your lawn has a problem, don't be alarmed.  Just call our office at 1-800-LawnCare or request a service call.  We'll be happy to stop by and thoroughly check.  If there is a problem, we'll take care of it!

     Check out this Dishonest Solicitation explanation for more details.

Please visit our Pruning Tips page.  These tips are specifically regarding after winter/springtime pruning.