Getting a soil test is critical when you first start a fertilizer.  Many soils in NH have deficiencies in macro and micronutrients, hurting the efficacy of our products.  For example, a lawn with low pH will potentially only allow 30-60% of our products to be absorbed into the plant, depending on the pH level.  Correcting your soil is very important to maximize results.  All new customers receive a complete soil analysis when they start with us, along with recommended applications to correct the issue. We measure the following: PH, buffer PH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity)

It's best to water heavily and infrequently. For example, water every other day for 30-60 minutes per zone and finish early in the morning before the sun comes up. Never water in the afternoon or early evening. Except after really hot days, we recommend syringe watering in the late afternoon for about 10-15 minutes per zone to relieve the stress from the heat that day. Always have your lawn wake up wet and go to bed dry.  

There is a lot of data online recommending to always bag your clippings.  This is accurate in some cases, but not with our lawns.  We will be providing enough nutrients to feed your lawn all year, so adding 2-3% more is really unnecessary.  Mulching grass clippings can also spread weed seeds and fungus.  So we believe it adds more risk than benefit.  

Overseeding in the spring is not a good idea.  In the spring, we apply pre-emergent weed control to prevent weeds.  This is a selective product, but it doesn't know the difference between a weed seedling and a grass seeding that's germinated, so it will prevent the seed from growing.  We recommend aerating and seeding in the late summer and early fall. This time of year is optimal for growing grass, and weeds are dormant and won't overpower the new seed.

Yes, compost contains the primary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and an array of micronutrients to feed your lawn naturally.  Topdressing a lawn with compost adds organic matter to the soil, which provides for proper drainage and better tilth. We use state of the art compost spreading equipment that is able to compost, drop seed, and aerate in a single pass.  We have had many customers transform their lawns with this process.  

The answer is yes!  We have had so many customers call and thank us because they can finally be outside without being eaten alive.  We offer a 5-step mosquito and tick spray compared to our competition, who offer an 8-12 step program.  What that means is yes, you'll save money!  How? Just like with our fertilizer products, we use products that last 30-60 days, so we don't have to come out as often for the same coverage and protection.  For example, an average NH Home that is paying $100 per spray would pay $500 annually instead of $800-1200 with the national franchise models.  

Lawns of Southern NH has been a small family-owned fertilizer company since 1994.  We specialize in 7-step fertilizer programs, aeration and overseeding, mosquito and tick spray, and compost topdressing.  Visit lawnsofsnh.com, @lawnsofsnh on Facebook, email info@lawnsofsnh, or call (603)673-4940 to learn more.