Questions about fertilizer and pesticides

[QualityLawnCare4u]

I was doing some research on this and had some questions. First, in the time Ive been in biz no one has asked me about fertilizer or pesticides. Im getting hit with it every day here this season. New client today wanted all the weeds in his yard gone and the grass nice and healthy. Im ashamed to say that this is my weak point but that is fixing to change quickly. I need to see about getting my license, taking a course or are there any good reading material for this? I hate to be asked a question by a client and cant give an answer I feel good about. I also want to know more about pruning and shrubbery trimming, what is the best time, how to feed etc. My client base over the years has been "we dont care when you do it or how, long as it looks good" Im trying to be much more professional and educated this year. I have graduated from the scrub status!

[lampeslawnservice]

call your county extension office. should be under the gov. sections in the phonebook. tell them what you want to do they will point you in the right direction

[Fvstringpicker]

You'll need two books to study for the exam in Georgia. Go to the Georgia Department of Agriculture site and the University of Georgia, School of Agriculture site. You'll need "Ornamental and Turf Pest Control" and "Applying Pesticides Correctly". An excellent textbook on turfgrass in general is Fundamental of Turfgrass Management ( about $60-70). Can be purchased from Forestry Supply Inc., et.al.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Thanks, I have been considering getting my applicator license but I have had so little request for it (until this season) did not mess with getting them.I really wanted to educate myself also whether I started doing it or not just to be in the know.

[Grandview]

Working for another lawn care company is great experience. Consider finding a company out of your area that is not your competitor. He might let you tag along for a day or two.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

I went to county agents office this morning and got info and sent off for my turf and ornmental books. I was told though that I did not have to have a license to put out granular fert. or granular weed and feed like Scotts or anything not restricted. Had to have it though for round-up or any pesticides. Is the test in Georgia real hard? I was told that most dont pass it first time, and I dont plan on driving that far to flunk. Closest to me is 70 miles away to take test.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

BTW, I meant to ask what sections of these books should I really study hard and pay close attention to. Any Georgia LCO who have taken this test any info GREATLY appreciated!

[Williams Services]

Smith, you may want to double check with them about not needing a license for the things you mentioned. Not saying they lied to you but perhaps getting a second opinion could save you some grief. Otherwise, get it in writing.

[Garth]

I went to county agents office this morning and got info and sent off for my turf and ornmental books. I was told though that I did not have to have a license to put out granular fert. or granular weed and feed like Scotts or anything not restricted. Had to have it though for round-up or any pesticides. Is the test in Georgia real hard? I was told that most dont pass it first time, and I dont plan on driving that far to flunk. Closest to me is 70 miles away to take test.
When I took my test I had to drive almost 160 miles to Bakersfield or as we call it "BuckOwensville". They told me it was a hard test and I guess most people don't pass the first time. I showed up after getting food-poisoning and only 15 min. sleep and I missed two questions out of 240. It really depends on what you already know. I've got a Master's in Horticulture and Botany and have been in the landscape or nursery business for the last twenty-five years. As you Yanks say, it was "cake". Do yourself a favour and study just the guides that they give you and any pertinent material described therein. If you go off on a tangent, you may stress yourself out to the point of no return. I've seen that alot. This is a learning experience and none of us knows everything nor will we ever. Socrates was described as the smartest man in Athens by the Oracle at Delphi. And when asked, he stated that," he knew nothing" In other words, the more you learn the more you realize how little you know. Just do the best you can and I'm sure you'll succeed. Good luck or as the Irish say "Go n-eiri an bothar leat". May the road succeed with you.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Smith, you may want to double check with them about not needing a license for the things you mentioned. Not saying they lied to you but perhaps getting a second opinion could save you some grief. Otherwise, get it in writing.

I was not real comfortable with that explanation either.

[olderthandirt]

Danny, The test is the easiest part, its the experiance to know the when and whys that are difficult. Get a couple good books and read them but stick to only the basic applications to you see the results, and then build your knowledge base from there.

[GroundKprs]

Don't expect to get accurate answers from your local county extension office about detail questions.

The extension field offices in most cases are just a contact point for the state extension service. The people working in those offices try to be helpful, and surely are in many cases. BUT, they are not the specialists. There is no way you could have a turfgrass specialist (or any other specialty) in every county extension office. What might be most valuable would be to see if they have a listing of the specialists, usually located at your state's land grant college.

And I know of no state where pesticide training and/or licensing is run by the extension service. If you want accurate info on licensing, go to the licensing post at top of this forum and find the proper office for your own state.

[QualityLawnCare4u]

Don't expect to get accurate answers from your local county extension office about detail questions.

The extension field offices in most cases are just a contact point for the state extension service. The people working in those offices try to be helpful, and surely are in many cases. BUT, they are not the specialists. There is no way you could have a turfgrass specialist (or any other specialty) in every county extension office. What might be most valuable would be to see if they have a listing of the specialists, usually located at your state's land grant college.

And I know of no state where pesticide training and/or licensing is run by the extension service. If you want accurate info on licensing, go to the licensing post at top of this forum and find the proper office for your own state.

Groundkprs, I decided Im not going to apply anything until Im fully licensed. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and I anit taking no chances.

[jajwrigh]

that decision may end of saving you tons of money in fines someday...