[Tvflguy]

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

[Tvflguy]

Please - anyone out there who is very happy with their lawn fertilization/weed control etc company?????

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

[yporter]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here...So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

I can't tell you I'm thrilled with our current provider, but can confirm that both Massey and Deans were not great; both had the MO that would give standard formula basics and assume all was well until YOU noticed an issue and complained, and would then eventually treat the issue. The problem of course is that by that time, it is much worse - and treatment is playing catchup. Also, the timeline is much slower too - giving crabgrass and torpedo grass plenty of time to establish.

We switched to Fertigator this past April, and so far they have done only ok. They started out well; since we had undiagnosed/untreated mole crickets and established crabgrass (thanks, Deans!) we had just resodded several large areas and Fertigator did careful mole cricket treatments and worked to not damage the new sod. However, over the summer the tech noticed crabgrass and ordered a treatment which got cancelled and no one can say who or why, so the crabgrass is racing around now and they are struggling to get it under control. Very disheartening, since resodding was not cheap. They have been very responsive, so we're sticking with them through this to see just how it works out. In their defense, the areas that do not have issues do look excellent - fingers crossed that the rest will eventually recover. If you are talking to Deans, I'd certainly recommend including Fertigator too.

The bad news is the best lawns I see (including our neighbor across the street) are those where the homeowner is the person treating and mowing. No recycled weed seeds from commercial mowing machines, and treatment on time instead of the intermittent tech notice/order/eventually return cycle. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time/skills/ability to do so - good luck! Even with our current issues, I'd still recommend Fertigator over either Massey or Deans

[Pondboy]

Originally Posted by yporter

I can't tell you I'm thrilled with our current provider, but can confirm that both Massey and Deans were not great; both had the MO that would give standard formula basics and assume all was well until YOU noticed an issue and complained, and would then eventually treat the issue. The problem of course is that by that time, it is much worse - and treatment is playing catchup. Also, the timeline is much slower too - giving crabgrass and torpedo grass plenty of time to establish.

We switched to Fertigator this past April, and so far they have done only ok. They started out well; since we had undiagnosed/untreated mole crickets and established crabgrass (thanks, Deans!) we had just resodded several large areas and Fertigator did careful mole cricket treatments and worked to not damage the new sod. However, over the summer the tech noticed crabgrass and ordered a treatment which got cancelled and no one can say who or why, so the crabgrass is racing around now and they are struggling to get it under control. Very disheartening, since resodding was not cheap. They have been very responsive, so we're sticking with them through this to see just how it works out. In their defense, the areas that do not have issues do look excellent - fingers crossed that the rest will eventually recover. If you are talking to Deans, I'd certainly recommend including Fertigator too.

The bad news is the best lawns I see (including our neighbor across the street) are those where the homeowner is the person treating and mowing. No recycled weed seeds from commercial mowing machines, and treatment on time instead of the intermittent tech notice/order/eventually return cycle. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time/skills/ability to do so - good luck! Even with our current issues, I'd still recommend Fertigator over either Massey or Deans

As with ALL lawn service companies, YOU should walk your lawn at least once every week to look for issues and alert them. Weed seeds germinate as soon as 14 days. Cinch bugs and other issues (fungus) can devastate your lawn in that amount of time as well. So if you think that you can take a “hands off approach” to a good lawn you’re mistaken.

Crabgrass seeds can lay dormant in your soil for several years. Seeds blow in the wind from lawns down the road. Crabgrass has thick blades like St Augustine so it’s hard to tell them apart.

A Pre emergent weed preventer will prevent about 80-90% of weeds from developing. However, our sandy soils don’t hold the chemical well. Add in a lot of rain to that mix (where them chemical gets washed away)and its prevention rate dips even further.

Soil Temperatures also come into play for pre emergents as weed seeds have a “window of opportunity “ when they germinate. So miss this window to apply the pre emergent and it’s not as effective.

As far as why they stopped the crabgrass treatment on your lawn, it probably was above the 90 degree temperature threshold. One should never apply any chemicals to a lawn when it’s that hot. Spot spraying is ok, broad application is not.

As far as lawn care companies, some are better than others. But, it does all depend on the person treating your lawn. If they know what they’re doing, and care about their quality of work, it will be reflected in your lawn. But, each home owner has to care as well. Get out there, walk your lawn weekly, and work with them to give you the lawn you want.

[yporter]

Originally Posted by Pondboy

As with ALL lawn service companies, YOU should walk your lawn at least once every week to look for issues and alert them. ...But, it does all depend on the person treating your lawn. If they know what they’re doing, and care about their quality of work, it will be reflected in your lawn. But, each home owner has to care as well. Get out there, walk your lawn weekly, and work with them to give you the lawn you want.

I agree, and wish we were here full time to be able to do so. I had discussions with both Massey and Dean before signing to cover the fact that we would be gone in the summers and the treatment only on problem report MO would not work, but of course the sales person (for both) said their tech would be vigilant and not to worry. I had the same discussion with Fertigator, and we'll see how this goes.

[Battlebasset]

I have reduced the amount of grass I have to deal with by adding rocks/rock gardens. I still have a small amount, about 550 sq feet, that I mow, fertilize and treat myself. If you use a service to mow, they are going to bring in weed seed from other yards. They will also charge arm/leg for fertilize and weed/bug treatment.

If you can still mow, do it yourself. If you go to Ace in Wildwood they will tell you what you need to do for fertilize/bug treatment. Yes, watering is important. Once a week is not enough. I run it three times per week if not raining.

I will say, I had 1.5 acres up north. Had a crew mow and weed and feed 4X a year, with grubex in August. It looked great. I have never spent so much time on such a small patch of grass in my life.

[JoMar]

Take a look at Pest Control, Lawn Care - Green Smiths - The Villages, Florida

[Pondboy]

Originally Posted by yporter

I agree, and wish we were here full time to be able to do so. I had discussions with both Massey and Dean before signing to cover the fact that we would be gone in the summers and the treatment only on problem report MO would not work, but of course the sales person (for both) said their tech would be vigilant and not to worry. I had the same discussion with Fertigator, and we'll see how this goes.

If it helps, a yearly lawn maintenance calendar.

If we don’t come out of the drought next year (reduced watering already extended thru end of March 2027). I’d recommend an additional Chinch bug treatment for the lawn and have them mix it up with the two different chemicals that target them.

Chinch Bugs don’t like wet soil so the once per week watering, as well as a dry summer, has made them more prolific (I think) this year vs prior years.

[Driller703]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

Massey, for example, will come out each quarter to check your lawn and apply chemicals HOWEVER, it is up to the owner to keep up with checking the lawn. If chinch bugs, mole crickets and the like are noticed, it is up to the home owner to call Massey to report it. They will come within 24 hours and treat the problem as needed, at no charge, per their guarantee. So if you are away, or a snowbird, someone will have to keep an eye on the lawn for you, because it get out of hand in a week sometimes.

[bonbonn]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

try greensmiths do good for us

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

I hear you loud and clear. We are in our 20th year in The Villages. I will boil this down to a short reply. What happens to your yard depends more on the technician than it does on the Company they work for. Sometimes, for a while, you get a good competent person until they aren’t. In many cases the technician moves on to a better paying job. Good for him and usually bad for you.

[Rwirish]

They are all about the same.

[lpkruege1]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

It doesn't really matter who you get, I've had 4 of the major ones and I've determined they all suck. Unless you are here year round and taking care of it yourself, they will ruin your lawn while you are gone. My lawn looks great before I leave. I come back and they must think, anything green is good. 2/3rds of my Saint Augustine lawn is dead with more weeds than grass. Message me if you want to know who was the worst

[Danube]

Originally Posted by Pondboy

Crabgrass seeds can lay dormant in your soil for several years. Seeds blow in the wind from lawns down the road. Crabgrass has thick blades like St Augustine so it’s hard to tell them apart.

A Pre emergent weed preventer will prevent about 80-90% of weeds from developing. However, our sandy soils don’t hold the chemical well. Add in a lot of rain to that mix (where them chemical gets washed away)and its prevention rate dips even further.

When is the best time of year to apply pre-emergent herbicides to St. Augustine to prevent crabgrass? Multiple times?

We used Scotts Halt (pendimethalin) the first week of March this year, was much too late as by the time I noticed a lot of crabgrass had already sprouted. The crabgrass is now worse than ever, probably due to a combination of the big freeze followed by watering restrictions.

[Kevco]

Originally Posted by Tvflguy

We have had issues with our zoysia lawn all year. The drought, and perhaps not watering enough in Spring/early summer has resulted in a horrible lawn here.

Kinda desperate for help. It appeared that we had a bad case of torpedo grass early summer. I did some DIY sprays with Quinclorac, as recommended after research. It takes a few applications about 2 weeks apart. Then of course we had all that rain lately. It APPEARS that all the runners etc from Torpedo grass is neutralized - BUT we have what appears to be types of quick growing crabgrass all over now. We had a recommendation to have Zoysia Green come out to treat the lawn - they did for 3 consecutive months. Did virtually nothing. Horrible crabgrass.

So I just contacted Dean's to come out to assess our lawn. I'd like to have a couple more firms come out for help and get their recommendation. From a REPUTABLE company with a good track record.

Help!

REPUTABLE you say? I guess that takes Massey out of the equation. The same company that has somehow figured out a way to sell termite protection to people living in concrete housing. The funniest part is that people do!