SCIENCE IS THE FOUNDATION OF HEALTHY TURF

Developing, enhancing, and maintaining a healthy lawn on your own can be very costly. It involves time, effort, the cost of materials and the knowledge to make it all work. When you consider all these factors, it makes sense to have a professional lawn care company do the job for you.  Turf Science provides turf care programs to suit your individual lawn care needs that are based on the following turf maintenance calendar and a comprehensive soil analysis to ensure a healthy, beautiful lawn. 

SPRING (March / April)

Spring is the time to strengthen your lawn. As turf emerges from dormancy, it is critical that the proper nutrients are available. We provide a balanced, fast-acting fertilizer that contains nitrogen and potassium, along with other nutrients, and soil amendments that may be lacking. This is also the time to apply a pre-emergent to control crabgrass and other weeds. Additionally, this is the time for turf aeration and thatching which helps reduce soil compaction, while improving the absorption of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the root zone. Liming should be done now with the goal of adjusting the soil to the proper pH level. This is also the time we start scouting for turf damaging insects and the presence of turf pathogens. 

LATE SPRING and EARLY SUMMER (May / June)

At this time, a fertilizer is applied to ensure a sustained thick green growth and continuous root vigor. Direct spot spray weed, and crabgrass control may be done, a method used to reduce the amount of overall pesticide usage. Insect and disease are evaluated, and control measures are performed as needed. Preventative grub treatments should be applied at this time, and an assessment of other pests may warrant a curative approach with the goal of preventing turf damage in the future.

SUMMER (July / August)

During the peak summer months, scouting and monitoring for other damaging insects and disease continues, they are evaluated, and the necessary steps for control are taken. Depending on a variety of environmental factors, broad leaf weeds, and invasive grasses can thrive at this time and various methods of control will be assessed and executed. For lawns that are irrigated, a treatment of nitrogen and iron can produce maximum green-up.

LATE SUMMER (September)

This is the ideal time for over seeding weak and damaged turf areas. All lawn areas should be assessed on an individual basis using correct seed selection and for the possibility of any environmental, landscape reconstruction and soil alterations. Core aeration and thatching is recommended going into the fall to promote root growth and nutrient accessibility. A balanced fertilizer should be applied to enhance this optimum period of growth. Spot treatment weed control continues, as well as disease and insect monitoring.

FALL (October / November)

A final application of fertilizer designed to promote root growth and help sustain turf over the winter is applied at this time. This important last step is critical for turf performance and vitality come next spring when the lawn starts its first few weeks of new growth.   

Turf Science offers a range of lawn care services that can be customized according to your specific lawn care needs. Our reliable, proven techniques are assured to improve the appearance and overall health of your lawn. At Turf Science, personal service is our goal; customer satisfaction is our focus. IPM and organic programs are available.

Take the first step to a more beautiful environment and call Turf Science (203)390-1142. We will measure, conduct a soil analysis, evaluate your lawn and provide you with a free price estimate.

· FERTILIZATION

Application of a high-quality balanced fertilizer to suit the specific needs of each lawn

· INSECT & DISEASE CONTROL

Treatment for a range of damaging insects; preventive and curative measures for a variety of turf pathogens

· CRABGRASS & WEED CONTROL

Prevention and control of crabgrass, dandelions and broadleaf weeds all season long

· SOIL TESTING & LIMING

Testing for pH, macro/micronutrients from UConn soil analysis laboratory and lime applications as needed to adjust to an optimal pH level

· CORE AERATION & DETHATCHING

To reduce compaction and facilitate the passage of water, oxygen and nutrients into the soil

· OVER-SEEDING

Thicken established turf; introduction of stronger cultivars; seasonal repair of weak or damaged turf, always using seed appropriate for the site

Additional Programs Available:

· TICK SPRAYING

Seasonal applications to control deer ticks

· CONTROLLING LANDSCAPE WEEDS 

Removal of weeds and unwanted grasses in landscaped beds, patios, walkways, and driveways

· ORNAMENTAL TREE & SHRUB CARE

Fertilization, insect control, disease prevention, pruning, shaping and maintenance

· DEER REPELLANT

Treatment for trees and shrubs most vulnerable to deer and varmints. 

 An Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM)is a decision-making approach that uses a variety of methods to manage diseases, insects, weeds and other problems (pests). IPM focuses on long-term suppression of pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes the risks to human health and the environment.

The Turf Science IPM Program for ornamentals and turf grass incorporates the following measures to prevent pest problems and/or reduce them to acceptable levels.

Properly Identifying the Pest:  Misidentification is hazardous and can lead to choosing an incorrect course of action. Some pests are more vulnerable to pesticide applications at specific stages of their development, knowing when and what to look for can stop a pest population from increasing. It is important to note there are also beneficial insects that can naturally reduce pest populations. 

Scouting and Monitoring:  Scouting for pests on a regular basis, monitoring and documenting pest populations is a critical tool of IPM. Population thresholds are always set according to the client’s expectations and financial considerations. We can protect what is already planted, we can make an educated recommendation based on the existing conditions to accommodate the client’s desire for further landscaping or enhancements and (looking ahead), we can maintain the entire landscape.

To reach the goals of a healthy and continually thriving landscape, Turf Science follows management practices based on the following concepts:

Biological:  depending on the pest, there are four common types of biological control organisms: parasites, pathogens, predators and competitors. An evaluation of benefits, cost and client preference will be determined at each site.

Cultural:  cultural practices include physical and mechanical operations, and proactive procedures. Cultural practices for turf grass are activities such as mowing, watering, soil management, thatch management and fertilization. For ornamentals, proper planting techniques, mulching, weed control, irrigation, composting and pruning. Improper cultural practices, specifically fertilization, can have a significant negative impact on the environment and health of the plant. Nutritionally stressed plants can be more vulnerable to attack by insects or disease and completion from weeds. 

  Chemical:  chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and herbicides are an important component of an IPM program. They are typically used as a last resort, and in many instances the wise use of a pesticide is a viable alternative for producing a quick, effective and economical result with little or no effect on the environment. There are also “organic” pesticides that are derived from naturally occurring substances, and if used properly, can be an alternative to synthetics. In every case, however, with IPM, the precise timing, correct application rate and proper use of a pesticide can lead to reductions in pesticide use. The overall goal is to use correct diagnosis and IPM strategies to reduce unnecessary or repeat pesticide applications, or, ultimately, to eliminate them completely. 

Turf Science communicates with our clients – from the initial assessment to every informed decision thereafter. We tailor an IPM program to your specific needs, expectations and desires. We strongly believe in the practice of documenting each step along the way. Monitoring and sound decision making, not regular pesticide or fertilizer applications, is what sets our program apart from others. We use scientifically proven, creative and intuitive IPM practices to promote the long-term health of each plant and the entire landscape.