When is the best time to plant grass?
The very best time is early fall when crabgrass and other weeds become inactive. A second choice is very early spring before weeds germinate.

How do I plant grass seed?
Start with top-quality grass seed based on growing conditions such as sun/shade, traffic, and drought tolerance. Loosen the top two inches or more of soil. If you are over-seeding existing grass consider using a slicing machine. Evenly sowing larger areas by hand is difficult, so use a spreader. Spread starter fertilizer according to bag recommendations. Water, water, water, frequently for short periods of time while it becomes established!  If you are seeding a hillside, expecting hot weather or can’t water frequently it may be necessary to lightly cover the seed with straw mulch or “Hydromulch” to keep the seed shaded and moist to establish the lawn area.
 
What is the best way to water a lawn?
For established lawns: once a week for an extended period (long slow watering) rather than more often for shorter periods of time. This allows moisture to go deeper into the soil, therefore having the roots go deeper into the soil.  Early in the morning is the best time of day for watering.
 
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
If you are using synthetic fertilizers: In early spring, apply a starter fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide. About six to eight weeks later in late spring apply a fertilizer with a post-emergent herbicide. In late summer, apply a fertilizer with insect control. In early fall, apply fertilizer to stimulate root growth. In late fall, apply a winterizer fertilizer that builds resistance to the cold and provides nutrients to extend the green period in the fall and green up quicker in the spring.
If you are using organic lawn fertilizers: If you are at the start of using organic fertilizers and compost, spread it 5 times per growing at the recomeded rate. For the second season 4 times per year. For the third season 3 times per year.
 
When do I apply insect controls?
These can be applied anytime there is an infestation problem. The best time to attack insects below the surface is in late July and early August. This application should include watering the lawn heavily before and after the application to ensure the insecticide gets down to the root zones where the grubs are active.
 
How much area will lawn fertilizer cover?
Lawn needs are usually based on nitrogen needs and vary from 1 to 6 pounds needed per 1,000 square feet per year. Because every spreader is different - and everyone walks at different speed: To determine how much to use - you would spread 1 pound and then measure how much area that it covers. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn usually reduces this number by 1 pound. Knowing the size of your lawn area is usually enough information to determine how much fertilizer you need per application as the area a bag will cover is marked on the bag. 

 
I want to fertilize my lawn and prevent crabgrass, but I just seeded part of my lawn. What should I use?
We sell a product specially formulated as a pre-emergent that prevents crabgrass but allows grass seed to germinate. Do not use any other weed killer near the area you are trying to seed, it would prevent the seed from growing and or kill grass that is just begining to grow.
 
What is lawn thatch?
It's a layer of stems and the crowns of dead grass just above the soil. While clippings decompose quickly, thatch decomposes slowly. When it builds up, it creates a problem. Every couple years use a de-thatching machine or a core-aerating machine to fix the problem. Regular applications of compost in the spring and fall eliminate thatch naturally.
 
How short should I cut my grass?
About 3" during cool weather, but the longer the better during hot, dry weather. Avoid cutting more than about 1/3 of its length all at once. The shorter you cut your grass the more you invite weeds as the topsoil is exposed to sunlight, heats up, and germinates weeds.
 
I used a shade-tolerant grass seed in a shady area, but I am still having trouble getting the grass to grow.
Make sure you keep this area well watered it is likely competing with tree roots and remaining dry even when it rains due to overhanging branches. Regular applications of compost will help the area with water retention and soften the hard packed soil. Do not cut the area as short as the rest of the lawn. Check the soil pH - it is likely to be acidic - like New Engalnd soil typically is. Applications of calcitic lime instead dolomitic lime of will most likely be necessary. In addition, rake up all the leaves in the fall. If you still have a problem, you may have to trim the branches on a tree that is blocking the light or plant the area with a shade loving groundcover such as vinca or pachysandra.

What Can I Do About Lawn Damage Caused by a Dog?
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to brown spots caused by dog urine.  Heavy watering, and a little baking soda can help to speed up the process. Heavy watering will help to dilute the concentration of nitrogen in your yard, and adding baking soda to a watering can full of water will help to neutralize the area. If your own dog is the offender you can add Yucca supplements to your dog's diet and the lawn will not get the brown spots. If you don't own a dog then dog and cat repellent can be helpful to prevent the browning in the future. Buying a supply of the yucca supplements to give to owner of the offending dog could be a good investment.
  
Are Mushrooms Damaging My Lawn?
No. Often over fertilizing will cause mushrooms to grow in rainy weather and disappear when the sun shines again. Mushrooms sometimes arise from decaying organic matter under the soil and the remains of old trees or roots are a common cause. Although there is no chemical treatment available, there are a few options. You can try to dig up the decaying organic matter or destroy the mushrooms with a rake or lawn mower. You can also simply try to wait out the problem - they are short lived.

 How Do I Get Rid of Moss?
Your best defense against moss is a healthy lawn. Moss is a sign that the grass is thinning. There are many causes for thinning grass: low pH level, not enough sun, fertilizer, compacted soil, tree root competition, and too much water. Cutting the lawn too short can also allow moss to sneak in. Make sure you are properly watering and fertilizing. Leave the grass height to 2½ -3 inches and avoid over watering. Water deeper and less often. Adding compost to the area on a regular basis as well as organic fertilizer will improve soil conditions. Once moss is actively growing you can add calcitic lime to correct the ph level or try chemicals that kill actively growing moss.
 
What Should I Do if My Lawn is Overrun with Crabgrass?
Crabgrass grows vigorously in hot weather when lawn grass is stressed from the heat. A dense lawn is better able to resist an invasion of crabgrass so be sure to properly water and fertilize your lawn. Another way to discourage the growth of Crabgrass is by mowing higher especially during hot weather. The higher grass can help to shade and prevent the germination of crabgrass seeds. You can also try herbicides to control the crabgrass in your yard. Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied (before April 15th) before daytime temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees. You can apply post-emergent herbicides on actively growing crabgrass when temperatures are above 70 degrees. You should not apply post-emergent herbicides if temperatures are expected to be above 90 degrees or if rainfall is expected within 24 hours. 
  
Why Do I Need to Lime My Lawn and How Often Does It Need to be Done?
Lime is added to a lawn to adjust the soil's pH level. The pH level can affect the grass plants ability to absorb nutrients necessary to grow properly. Your soil's pH level should range between 5.5 and 7.5. In New England soil becomes easily compacted and Calcitic Lime should be added if your pH level is below the desired range. Typically, lime is added once a growing season in the fall. If a soil test is done and calls for adding lime, add it right away, don't wait for fall. See the Soil pH page for further information.
 
How Do I Rid My Lawn of Grubs?
The easiest way to rid your lawn of grubs is to use a product designed to kill lawn insects. This should be applied between July and September when grubs are the most susceptible to insect controls. Milky Spore and Beneficial Nematodes are organic controls that are longer lasting and environmentally friendly.
 
What are the Benefits of a Mulching Mower?
Mulching mowers return grass clippings to your lawn. Benefits include: a healthier lawn (clippings serve as fertilizer and help retain and conserve needed moisture), time savings (you do not have to stop to empty the mower bag and do not need to fertilize as often), cost savings (you save on both clipping disposal and fertilizer costs). If you mow on a regular basis, a mulching mower will be very beneficial to your lawn.
 
When and How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
Most lawns require about one inch of water a week. A hot sunny part of the lawn will require more than a partially shaded lawn. So how often depends on the weather. A rain gauge can be helpful. The best time to water is early in the day, watering at night puts your lawn at risk for developing mildew and fungus disease.

For more lawn information browse the short but very informative video's
(after the 20 second commercial) on this link > Safe Lawns Video's