Why are skunks digging on my lawn?
If skunks and birds are attracted to your lawn, you probably have a grub infestation. If you dig up some grass, you are sure to see some of these destructive insects.
Why do I have a yellow lawn compared to my neighbour?
A number of factors (other than the proverb) can explain why the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. This is often attributable to lawn care practices (e.g., grass height, watering practices, spring preparation, aeration, etc.), the type of soil and the quality of the sod that was put down.
Why are there weeds growing in my lawn?
Weeds grow in bare patches of your lawn, especially where grass is cut too short, the soil is compacted, there is insufficient watering, not enough grass seed, etc.). A well-fertilized lawn, cut to a height of 3”, that is dense and regularly seeded with the right type of grass seed will have very few weeds growing.
Why are weeds growing along the street and next to my driveway?
These are often areas where the lawn has become sparse and damaged during the winter. Also, very hot temperatures and sometimes a lack of soil under the grass can stimulate weed growth. Weeds that go to seed, such as crab grass, therefore have sun and space to grow.
How can I improve my lawn quality?
By calling a Groupe Vert Plus representative. We offer a complete fertilization program as well as complementary services that will give you a beautiful lawn. We also provide advice each time that we visit.
Do you have ecological weed control products?
Ecological has a very broad meaning. We use a synthesized product, Dicamba, that is legal in Québec and used by lawn care specialists. Dicamba is one of the ingredients that was in Killex, a commonly used product that has been banned in Québec since 2006. Dicamba helps to control many broad-leaf weeds, including dandelions.
When is the initial treatment applied?
The initial treatment is applied when the temperature reaches at least 16 degrees for two consecutive days. We begin applying treatments according to sector and depending upon when we receive your contract.
How will I know that a treatment has been applied?
We use organic liquid fertilizer. You may sometimes notice a slight temporary odour. Your grass will be slightly shiny and sticky. There will be a temporary brown residue along fences and sidewalks. In addition, we will always leave a note in your mailbox explaining the treatment.
How will I know that my entire property has been treated?
After a few days, you will see a greener lawn and fewer weeds if a herbicide treatment has been applied. Moreover, unlike many companies, our technicians have no daily quota to respect. They are paid by the hour, not based on the number of properties that they treat. It is therefore in their interest to do a good job.
How soon can I water my lawn after it has been treated?
Liquid fertilizer: Without herbicide = wait at least three hours. With herbicide = wait at least 6 hours before watering. Unlike weekly watering (5 cm), water less the first time following an application (1 cm) to maximize the fertilizer’s effectiveness.
How long should I wait before mowing my lawn after it has been treated?
If liquid fertilizer has been applied, wait at least 24 hours after a light rain or watering. However, it is possible to cut your grass three hours after it has been treated with liquid fertilizer provided that you leave the grass cuttings.
How soon can my children and my dog walk on the grass?
For liquid fertilizer, wait until the product has dried. If the lawn has been treated with a herbicide, water lightly the next day to ensure that your lawn is completely safe.
Do I need to fertilize my lawn every year?
Unfortunately, grass is a plant that needs to be fed each year. Our nutrient solutions provide all major elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), minor elements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, cobalt, aluminum, manganese, copper, etc) and trace elements (iron, sulfur) needed to ensure a healthy lawn.
Do I need to aerate my lawn each year?
Ideally, this should be done once a year in the spring. Aeration has many benefits: better penetration of water and fertilizer as well as decomposition of thatch. Good soil needs oxygen to promote root development.
How long do I need to wait before fertilizing new sod?
Between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the time of year and how warm it is. Ideally, the soil should be fertilized with phosphorus before seeding grass or laying down sod.
My grass does not grow well in the shade
That is normal. The type of grass that grows well in the shade is mainly in the fescue family. It is rather fragile and is easily trampled. Moreover, each seed produces one blade of grass. Kentucky bluegrass and sod need about 5 or 6 hours of sunshine each day to grow well. For shady areas, it is best to put down some shade grass seed each year in the spring.
Why did the treatment not kill all the weeds in my lawn?
Since 2006, Dicamba is the only product that can legally be used to control weeds. It is excellent for dandelions and a number of broad-leaf weeds. However, it is not effective for controlling weeds such as plantain, oxalis, crab grass and quitch grass. Its effectiveness is also limited for controlling ground ivy, clover, etc. This synthesized herbicide needs several days to take effect. Weeds will disappear completely in about two weeks.
Natural or synthetic fertilizer?
These are two lawn maintenance strategies. Natural fertilizer is a long-term strategy that is more labour intensive (thorough watering, top dressing, pulling out weeds by hand, etc.). It is not an effective weed control method. Using synthesized or organic fertilizer will provide quick and visible results. In addition, if your municipality permits, we will apply a herbicide to kill many weeds in your lawn.
Should I treat my lawn against grubs each year?
There are three types of white grubs causing damage in our region. The most devastating is the European chafer, which has a one-year life cycle. The female lays her eggs in July and the first larvae can be seen towards the end of August. You will see the damage caused by skunks in the fall and, especially, in the springtime. If there is damage on your lawn, or on your neighbour’s property, we strongly recommend this treatment. Moreover, if your lawn is new or in good condition, this is a rather inexpensive insurance policy.
Why is lime, or Neutramag, good for my lawn?
This 100% natural granular product acts as a fifth lawn treatment. It contains two essential lawn nutrients: calcium and magnesium. Once it comes into contact with moisture in the soil, it breaks down into millions of minute particles immediately providing nutrients to plant roots. It neutralizes soil acidity to stimulate the growth of beneficial micro-organisms. It combats disease and insects by accelerating the decomposition of thatch, where disease and insects can hide. It also provides calcium, one of the main components of the plant’s cell membrane, thereby acting as the cell’s skeletal structure, making grass more resistant to disease and trampling. Magnesium improves the strength and colour of the grass by stimulating the formation of Chlorophylle*.*CHLOROPHYLLE: Green pigmentation in plants. Robert Belliard, agronomist
Are your treatments guaranteed?
Our success hinges on your satisfaction. All of our treatments are guaranteed. If you are not completely satisfied, we will re-apply the treatment. Do not hesitate to contact us for a lawn analysis. Service calls are free for our customers.
When is the best time to water my lawn?
When watering is necessary, it should ideally be done early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.) when weather conditions such as temperature and wind will help to reduce evaporation. Also, water left on the lawn will dry quickly, helping to avoid the development of fungal disease. You can also water in the evening (between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.) However, there is a greater risk of disease since the grass will not dry as quickly. Press review, FIHOQ 2208, a sustainable lawn.
How should I water?
If your lawn needs to be irrigated, opt for less frequent deep watering rather than more frequent shallow watering. Watering in the same place for a longer period of time lets the water seep down and allows deep root systems to develop. Your lawn will be more drought resistant since it will be able to get water deep in the ground. Press review, FIHOQ 2208, a sustainable lawn.
Should I leave grass clipping on my lawn?
When the grass is dry and not too long, the ideal solution is to recycle the grass clippings. Most lawn mower manufacturers offer mulcher attachments. Clippings should not be visible. There are a number of benefits, such as conserving moisture in the soil and acting as an additional lawn treatment.
There are some bare patches in my lawn under my trees. What can I do to fix this?
This is completely normal since there are many competing forces in these areas. Tree and grass roots are sharing the water, nutrients and sun. To improve the situation, where possible trim some tree branches to allow more sun to get through. You can also spread out a few bags of top soil and some excellent quality shade grass seed in the springtime. If it is impossible to correct the situation, you can create a flower bed and plant some shade flowers.
Why should I choose Groupe Vert Plus to fertilize my lawn?
We are a local company operated by people who live in your neighbourhood. Our offices are located in Aylmer’s industrial park. Our customer service team is always ready to answer your questions. We only treat lawns in this region and are therefore very familiar with the types of problems that you will see (insects, disease, weed problems) in our city.
Do you have the necessary insurance and permits to do this work?
We are a certified member of the Association des services en horticulture ornemental du Québec (ASHOQ) and hold several permits from the Québec environment department. Our pesticide storage facility is completely safe. All of our technicians hold a permit from the Québec environment department, allowing them to do their work. We also have all the city permits required to apply lawn care products. We comply fully with municipal, provincial and federal regulations.
How do you train your staff?
Our technicians receive basic training approved by the Québec environment department. We have also developed an in-house training program that all of our employees must take. Training is an ongoing process, and includes regular meetings, courses offered by the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire (ITA), conferences, reading material, visits and horticultural bulletins.
