Whats a Common Residential Fertilizer Shedual?

[Hometown Lawn Care]

Can somebody please help me out, I have a customer who wants me to put him on a shedual to make his grass real thick and green, what should I use to put down, and how many times a year/season do I repeat this method!!

PLEASE HELP THANKS!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Well.....what does his lawn need?

[KirbysLawn]

What is a "shedual"??:confused:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by KirbysLawn
What is a "shedual"??:confused: I thinks he means schedule

[Hometown Lawn Care]

lol, ignore my spelling,

But...You tell me....

Im new to all of this... What should I use to make his lawn Green, what type of fertilizer, and where should I get it?

[KerryB]

What kind of grass? What does the soil sample say?

[Green Pastures]

Take a soil sample.
Get it tested.
Follow the advice of the lab based on what the soil needs.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

A soil sample will tell you what the lawn is missing.

Most cool turf needs 4# of N per a season, some of that you get by discharging or mulching the clippings, and leaving them in the lawn.

4 apps should do the trick if using the right product.

[walker-talker]

Originally posted by Green Pastures
Take a soil sample.
Get it tested.
Follow the advice of the lab based on what the soil needs.

Good advice there...also, do you have a Lesco dealer there or any other fertilizer dealer in your area? They will know something more related to you region. Take your soil sample to your local extension service then they will give you advice....along the lines of what Green Pastures suggested.

MATT

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Correct me if I am wrong, but a soil sample will tell you what's missing, it doesn't tell you what you need for normal maintenance.

[walker-talker]

If it tells you that something is missing, through deduction one should you be able to tell what needs to be added and/or taken away so that nothing is missing?

I think that makes sense.
MATT

[Hometown Lawn Care]

Thank you everybody, but Im still a bit shady, see im only 17 and im just getting into the Lawn Care bussiness, and im trying to get educated, so all suggestions, corrections, and ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

[timturf]

lawngodfather is correct and I think 3lbsn/1000 is adequete if clippings returned!!!!!!

2 to 4 applications depending on n source and % slow release.

I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU GET LICENSE (PEST) AND DO 4 APPLICATIONS

[Green Pastures]

Always............START with a soil sample and get it tested. This way you know where to begin.

Hang around here and read ALOT. You'll get it quickly.

No question is a dumb question, ask before you do something you're only guesing at.

Pray.

[lugnut#6]

isn't it required that you have a license to do fert application for money?

[walker-talker]

Originally posted by lugnut#6
isn't it required that you have a license to do fert application for money?

I think that varies from state to state, but don't know of any state that doesn't require a license for pesticide application.

MATT

[Live4Mowin']

Originally posted by Green Pastures

No question is a dumb question, ask before you do something you're only guesing at.

When you take a soil sample how do you test the soil? Do you take it somewhere special?

[GLAN]

You can buy a home test kit that will tell you the levels of N-P-K

That's all you need to get yourself started in the right direction.

One thing that wasn't mentioned is regarding the drainage of the soil. If you are in an area that is poor in drainange. Less applications will do. If you have good drainage then as many as 4 or even 5 applications (more on the 5 applications later)

In either condition slow release will be the only fertilizers you will ever use!!

A slow release of 50% or more.

If your muching less fert is needed during the season. The amount of N mentioned above is accurate 3-4 lbs per 1,000 annualy.

Now you can either do those apps 3, 4 or 5 times a season, as long as your annual is within the limits.

We do 5 apps. 4 in season and a winter application. All 8 weeks apart. We do the apps at reduced rate and do an annual total of N applied of around 5lbs per 1,000.

Now also your fert of choice is also dependent on the time of year. For disease suppresion you will use a higher K.

Your local supplier will know about the average soil conditions and will make recomendations. Truth is those people behind the counter should be your BEST friend, or they will be :)

[lordohturf]

You have gotten alot of good advice about soil testing, etc. , but
if you are 17 and know nothing about treating turf, you are asking for trouble if you jump into the treatment game. Especially if you plan on controlling weeds, diseases and insects.

Read and learn as much as you can about care of turf. When you turn 18 get licensed in your state to do this commercially and
until then ask around for a lawn company you can trust.

Have another company subcontract the work for you. You can still make money on the treatments. At the same time, let them be your mentor in what, when , how much, etc.

The keword here is someone you can trust! Ask them for references and hopefully someone who has experience in acting as a subcontractor.

The chemical suppliers, and product vendors can also be a great
resource for you!

Good luck!