Snow Mold in the Lawn

If you are seeing this in your lawn, it is completely normal this time of year after the snow melted. This "snow mold" occurs because of the snow that sat on the lawn for a long period of time.  The best way to get rid of it is by lightly raking your lawn.  That's it.  No special chemicals are needed, no machines, just a good old fashioned rake.  

If you need help with your lawn, contact us today.

What Does the Ball Valve Look Like

This valve is what shuts the water off to the the outside sprinkler system.  If you can turn this valve off, you do not need to be home for your winterizing, assuming your valves are readily available.

You may find this valve in the ceiling, or along the wall.  The key is to look for the yellow handle.  This valve is in the on position and must be turned to the side to turn it off.

Sprinkler Winterizing - When Should I do it?

Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your sprinklers.  In Michigan, historically speaking, winterizing should be complete by November 10th based on temperatures.  At this point in the season, unless you have new sod installed, there is no reason to even keep your sprinklers running.  The temperatures coupled with the frequent rains we have, seem to keep everything moist and free from drying out.

As long as you get the sprinklers winterized by the time night time temperatures drop below freezing, you will be good to go.

What happens when you don't winterize on time? The backflow preventor (the device on the outside of the house), is engineered to blow the top off of it if the water freezes.  That is the most common problem with not winterizing on time.  TURN THE WATER OFF IN THE HOUSE TO THE SPRINKLERS.  The valve usually looks something like the picture below (this valve is still open and must be closed).  Sometimes you will see this valve in the ceiling. Once the water is off, at least the pressure to the outside will be cut off.  If you have questions, call us at 586-323-0200 or email service@greengiantlawn.com after hours.

When should you fertilize new sod?

Your sod has been fertilized and taken care of for a whole year prior to it being laid on your yard.  With that being said, if you do not keep up on the fertilizing, you will lose that dark green color.

Rule of thumb is to apply a good granular fertilizer after the first cut and every five weeks thereafter.

If you need assistance with fertilizing, we offer an affordable service that will save you time, money, and headaches.

First Cut After New Sod Installation

Once your new sod is installed, you must stay off of it for a minimum of three weeks, or until you can no longer tolerate it's growth.  Once you can walk on the lawn, it is time to cut it.  The first cut is always the hardest because you have three weeks of growth.

It is key to remember to cut your watering down a  little in week two.  Sprinklers typically are set to run three times per day with the new sod.  Once into week two, start cutting down to twice per day and as you get closer to the three weeks point, cut it to once per day.  Cutting long wet grass is not fun and will cause you a ton of headaches.

Lastly, it is advisable to cut the grass down, and then bag the clippings.  Bagging clippings is only good on the first cut and should not be done every time you cut your lawn.

When should I start my sprinklers for the season

The simple answer to when you should start your sprinklers is when the weather warrants it.  We have to remember that you only need sprinklers to water your plants and grass.  If neither of those things need water, than you do not need your sprinklers.  Gauge the weather.

It does not hurt to have them ready to go for when it does get hot, but we typically don't recommend turning them on until at least April 15th.  Even by then may be too early if it is cold at night.  If it gets too cold, you run the risk of having freeze damage...in the Spring!

Sprinkler Start-up Service - What is it and can I do it myself?

We are asked all the time by our clients if they can start-up their own sprinklers.  The short answer is yes....if you know how or have the time.  But, by having our sprinkler technicians perform the service, there are many benefits.

A spring start-up is when the sprinklers are activated for the season.  To activate the sprinklers, there are a few valves that need to be opened completely, and a few valves that need to be closed completely.  If you know how to do that, then turning the water to pressurize the system is easy.  Once the system is pressurized, you must run through the zones to make sure all of the heads are popping out of the ground, rotating properly, and functioning as intended.  If you are familiar with sprinklers, then it is a breeze.

If you are not familiar with sprinklers or how they function, it does not hurt to have us do the work for you.  Typical things that may be missed are:  heads buried under the grass from the winter, leaks in lines, improper adjustment, heads not popping up all the way, valves not open all the way which decreases pressure to the system, and more.  All of these issues can cause high water bills and/or dry plants or grass.

So for those clients that do not mind doing the work and are familiar with starting their sprinklers up, we're glad you know how.  For those of you that do not have the time or would like our expertise, please call us now at 1-888-411-5296.