Frequently Asked Questions 

It's Spring! How often and what is the best method of mowing my lawn?

During your lawn's growing season, you should mow at least once a week, more often if it's growing rapidly. In springtime your lawn is at its growing peak and should be mowed twice a week. The most important things to remember about grass cutting are to remove no more than 1/3 of the blade in one single cutting and to keep your blades sharp. Dull blades can actually rip the grass giving it a ragged look.

Do you recommend Late Season Mowing?

Yes. This fall, be sure to keep mowing your lawn at the regular height of 2.5-3.5" while it's still growing. Though longer grass may mat down, inviting a disease called snow mold, the benefits of maintaining the 2.5-3.5" level into the fall far outweigh any potential negative effects of snow mold.

In spite of cool temperatures, your lawn continues to photosynthesize until dormancy. Photosynthesis in the fall allows the plant to store energy for winter and next spring, which is crucial for its survival. Cutting grass blades too short limits the lawn's photosynthetic capacity. Regular mowing will also mulch tree leaves into the turf. A layer of unmulched leaves will shade the lawn, thereby minimizing photosynthesis, possibly smothering the grass, and encouraging snow mold. So get out there and keep mowing!

How often and when should I water my lawn?

The rule of thumb is that lawns need approximately two inches of water a week from rain or watering. When watering your lawn, give it a good soaking. A light sprinkling, which may not even reach the soil, promotes shallow roots.

Time of day also makes a difference. Try to water the lawn early in the day. You'll lose more water to evaporation as temperatures rise throughout the day. The worst time to water is after 4:00 PM. The water lies on the plant for a longer period of time, which puts the lawn at risk of disease, fungus, and mildew.

Do leaves or grass clippings hurt my lawn?

The idea that leaving grass clippings on the lawn creates excess thatch build-up is a myth! Thatch is caused primarily by the build-up of dead and living stems, leaves, roots, and other plant material. (Thatch from grass clippings accounts for less than 1/16" per year.) Clippings actually benefit the lawn! Decaying clippings confer valuable nutrients to the lawn and soil. This, in turn, produces a thicker, healthier, greener lawn. So we say leave them. Not only is it easier on you, but it also helps the environment. Landscape waste (including grass clippings) makes up 20% of all curbside waste. When you can, why not be Earth Friendly?

What is the most effective way of treating weeds?

Weeds thrive in acidic soil. Lime application will reduce soil acidity, thereby discouraging weeds. (Good thing HappyLawn^TM applies high-calcium, highly effective limestone.)

When the weather heats up, your lawn's defenses are down - and weeds can easily gain the upper hand. (Never fear! Broadleaf weed control applied by HappyLawn^TM can save the day - and your lawn.)

Crabgrass is an annual weed that dies after the first frost. But before it dies, it issues thousands of seeds that can hang out for years and sprout when soil temperatures hit 60 degrees. (That's why HappyLawn^TM attacks crabgrass before germination!) Get on the path to a weed free lawn by clicking here 

My lawn looks good, why would I aerate?

Every lawn can benefit from annual core aeration in the fall to help break up compaction and aid penetration of water and nutrients. Core Aeration is the mechanical process by which cores of soil are removed from the lawn. Sometimes, people feel compelled to "dethatch" the lawn, but this process is only recommended in extreme circumstances. To sign up for HapplyLawn^TM Core Aeration Service, click here.

How many times should I fertilize my lawn?

Five times a year, assuming you want a greener, weed-free grass with a deep, thick, healthy, web-like root system. (And HappyLawn^TM knows just when to apply what kind of fertilizer for the most ideal results.) To sign up for HappyLawn^TM services, click here.

What type of fertilizers are the best to use?

The granular, organic-based fertilizer HappyLawn^TM uses! Our fertilizer is comprised of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.

Nitrogen keeps grass green and growing. Potassium helps prevent disease & fungus and aids H₂O retention. Phosphorus improves root development and soil quality. To sign up for HappyLawn^TM Fertilizer Services, click here.

If I fertilize, do I have to mow more?

Not if you use slow-release granular nitrogen! The slow-release nitrogen pellets are sulfur coated, promoting release over a 4-6 week span and stops "Splurge Growth." Which means no excessive mowing necessary. (FYI: HappyLawn^TM uses only granular, slow-release fertilizers.). To sign up for HappyLawn^TM Fertilization Services, click here.

Why do I need Happylawn^TM for my trees and shrubs?

While most of us understand the importance of quality lawn care, landscapes are often left to fend for themselves. Remember, winter, diseases, and insects can be just as rough on your trees and shrubs as your lawn. Bring in an expert to help before it's too late. HappyLawn^TM has the expertise. Get started with HappyLawn^TM by clicking here.

What are grubs and what do they do?

They are the larvae stage of beetles which are present during the summer. Grubs live in the root zone of the lawn and feed off the root system. Without a Guaranteed Grub Preventative from Happylawn^TM, your lawn may experience permanent damage due to grubs! To prevent that damage, sign up for service with HappyLawn^TM by clicking here.

Why do I have moss?

Moss grows in response to a chemical imbalance in (primarily) shaded areas of the lawns. The pelletized limestone which we apply as part of our basic program will aid in correcting this chemical imbalance and will help rid your lawn of moss.

Can I seed my lawn in the spring?

It is advisable that you do not apply any grass seed in the spring if possible. During the spring, HappyLawn^TM focuses on crabgrass prevention. Our crabgrass preventatives will also stop new grass seed from coming up as well. The early fall is by far the best time of the year in which to apply new grass seed to the lawn. To request HappyLawn^TM Services, please click here.

Why do I have brown spots on my lawn?

There are many things that can bring about brown spots. Insects (like grubs), diseases, drought and soil compaction are the more common. Please contact at a Lawn Service Specialist at 866 Happy-Lawn (427-7952) to discuss your particular situation or click here.

Why does my lawn thin out in the summer?

Various reasons including drought, insects, weeds, disease or compaction can contribute to thinning turf. For those of you with shaded areas, during the summer, your trees will compete with your turf for water. As the trees remove more and more moisture from the soil, the more turf will thin out. Please contact HappyLawn^TM in order to assess your particular situation or click here.