Sorry Scott’s customers that switched you are with Trugreen now!

You were mad at trugreen for a list of reasons and you switched to Scott’s because they had better products than Trugreen and easily better customer service, in your opinion. Well Trugreen got you back! It cost them $200 million in cash and a 30% stake in Scottgreen or TruScotts or Trugreen-Scotts, whatever you call it you are going back to Trugreen.

Trugreen has been on a merger and acquisition spree ever since the new CEO David Alexander took over in 2012. So far the behemoth has taken down and devoured 7 other companies and grown revenue to over a billion dollars. The new combined company will have approximately 2.3 million residential and commercial customers and gross revenue at around 1.3 Billion dollars. In the wake of this transaction are hundreds of thousands that switched from Trugreen to get the Scott’s name and are in danger of getting back exactly what the fled in the first place. We are not sure if the name Scott’s can keep those customers or if they will be leaving in droves. This is yet to be seen, however so far all has been quiet and the masses will likely never hear that this transition is being made. Before the 2016 season starts the changes will begin coming. Many customers may desire and hope that STG (Scott’s - Trugreen) will use the products they have been using instead of switching to the lower costing, lower quality liquid fertilizers that many lawn care aficionados will assert Trugreen uses.

Further reading on the Scott’s and Trugreen Merger

TruGreen will buy Scotts LawnService

The purchase will create a $1 billion lawn care company.

https://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll-121015-trugreen-scotts-merge

ScottsMiracle-Gro Combines Lawn Service With TruGreen

The company said it is also exploring options for its European business

http://www.wsj.com/articles/scottsmiracle-gro-combines-lawnservice-with-trugreen-1449765744

Scotts Lawn Care MN

If you are a Scotts Lawn Care customer in Minnesota (MN) we would suggest contacting with an alternative lawn care provider in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. Do not order Scotts lawn care MN especially if you have been unsatisfied with Trugreen in the past. At the Lawn Care Minneapolis site offer even a higher standard of care then both Scotts Lawn Care MN and Trugreen MN. By utilizing golf course quality rather then 2-3 week weak fertilizer, we can offer scientifically superior 8 week slow release granular fertilizers proven to build healthy turf beyond that of Scotts MN or Trugreen MN. While Scott’s Lawn Care MN may have done well for you, there is even a higher standard available and sadly Trugreen who now owns Scotts Lawn Care in Minneapolis and St. Paul in our opinion has gotten to large and is focuses more on profits then the local MN lawn care customer. Get back to the basic nutrition of the grass with only the best nutrients for your turf. Get your free no obligation quote today and treat your lawn, nice!

612-405-2660

Former Scott’s Lawn Care Customer and you Don’t Want Trugreen? Click for a free no obligation Minneapolis lawn care quote to contact us!

Check out our other great ” Lawn Care Minneapolis ” posts:

Minneapolis Property Managers Need For Seed

Minneapolis Commercial Lawn Care

Minneapolis Property Managers Need for Grass Seed

Property managers in Minnesota have so many responsibilities sometimes it is easy to overlook things like the lawns of the members or tenants. Neglecting proper fertilization and weed control efforts, combined with occasional drought conditions, dog spots and grass disease can leave you with undesirable spots and bare patches on the turf. As they say an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure or something like that, but let us see the writing on the wall. Sometimes if not often you are going to need to plant fresh grass.

Grass Growing Tips for Property Management

Before seeding any part of your properties, it is important to remember that seeding is likely one of the hardest things to accomplish properly. First thing you will need to do is determine which seed is best for your turf areas, and that will depend on what part of the country you live in as well as the conditions and locations of the related turf grasses. When seeding it is important to remember that seeds are in a dormant state and are covered with a waxy coating, which, depending on the seed, will mean an extended period of time before it will germinate once it is put out on the lawn. Watering is the biggest component of getting your seed to germinate, as it will require up to 4 weeks of daily watering ensuring the seed stays moist in order for it to germinate. Plus if you happen to take a few days of leave or a long weekend and the seed dries out at any time after you have started watering it, the seed will die. Here are some of the important tips to remember below:

• Pick the correct seed for the area you are seeding. For example, if it is a shaded area you will want to buy a shade hardy seed. Also, the right varieties are important so that it matches what you already have growing in your lawn.
• The best time to seed is in the fall when the soil temperatures are warm and the nights are cooler.
• Soil temperatures must be above 55 degrees Fahrenheit in order for the seed to germinate.
• Make sure that the seed has good contact with the properties soil. The best way for this to happen is by combining an overseeding with an aeration or top dressing.
• Overseeding a healthy lawn without doing it in combination with aeration first is a waste of seed, as very little (if any) will germinate as there is no soil contact for the seed to germinate in.
• Watering must be done daily for 15-20 minutes in order to keep the seed moist, especially if there is no supplemental water from natural rainfall.
• Remember: if you plan on seeding in the spring, Weed Man applies an application of pre-emergent which will prevent the seeds from germinating.

How much seed do I need for my lawn?

When overseeding your lawn, the amount of seed required will depend on how large an area you are planning on seeding. Typically you will want around 4 - 6 pounds of seed per thousand square feet. For patches you will want to seed more thoroughly to ensure no gaps from grass blade to grass blade.

How can I get small areas that are bare or thin to fill in quickly?

One small trick to help get your seed to germinate quickly is to take a bucket and place a few pounds of seed in it and then pour some beer over it until it is entirely moist. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight, as the beer will help break down the waxy coating. This will allow the seed to germinate in about half the time. Once the seed has been placed in the fridge overnight, remove it and mix it in with some soil and then rake it into the bare or thin areas. Make sure to keep it watered for the next few weeks and you should see it germinate very quickly.

Keeping the lawn healthy and looking good in the long run will pay for itself typically. Well maintained properties tend to be perceived as more valuable and thus aids in the public view of the property, the company that owns the properties and reflects back on who is taking care of that same property. In addition apartment buildings, nursing homes, assisted living locations all tend to have better occupancy when the lawn and the rest of the grounds are well maintained.

Call 612-405-2660

Important Lawn Care Tips for New Sod.

Newly sodded lawns require special attention and care. To be sure sod roots well we recommend you follow these tips:

• New sod requires just as much water as a newly seeded lawn. First you should water deeply so water soaks down 4 to 6 inches immediately after the sod has been put down. Afterwards, you should water early in the morning every 2-3 days until the sod has rooted. How often you water will depend on the time of year and amount of rainfall. Once the new sod has rooted, it can be treated and watered as you would an established lawn. You can ask your local Weed Man professional for further watering recommendations.

• Try to keep heavy foot traffic off newly laid sod for the first 3-4 weeks (with the exception of mowing).

• Mowing frequency and height are the same as for established lawns. Lawns grow best when cut at 2.5 to 3.5 inches and should be mowed 1-2 times a week depending upon time of year. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at one time.

• A slow release high nitrogen granular fertilizer should be applied 3-4 weeks after the sod is laid. Afterwards, continue with regular fertility treatments. Good communication with your sod provider is crucial here, make sure ultimately you follow their guidance and find out about their guarantee.

• Mechanical core aeration should be delayed until the roots are fully established. This could be the fall in some cases or the following spring in others. Aeration is important on newly sodded lawns to eliminate any soil layers as soon as possible.

Common Problems with Newly Sodded Lawns

1. THATCH- Most sod from sod farms has already developed a thatch layer. The initial thatch content reflects the growing conditions or type of soil in which the sod was grown. Most sodded lawns require core aeration after establishment. In some cases, aeration will be needed annually when a thick layer of thatch persists.

2. INSECTS- As thatch is a common problem in sodded lawns, insects that live in the thatch layer (such as sod webworm and cutworm) can present a problem as well. If you suspect an insect problem in your lawn, contact your local Weed Man® Professional to come out and provide a healthy lawn analysis to determine what treatment may be necessary.

3. DISEASES- Necrotic Ring Spot is frequently found on sodded lawns that are 2 or more years old. Since many diseases favor a thick thatch layer, sodded lawns are susceptible to both root and leaf type diseases. Your local Weed Man® professional can diagnose which disease you have and which cultural practices will assist in the recovery of the lawn.

4. POOR SOIL- Proper preparation of the ground prior to laying sod is essential to the success of sod establishment. The quantity and quality of soil incorporated is a common problem in most newly developed residential areas. In most cases, soil preparation is overlooked. This means lawns are laid on a thin layer of topsoil, resulting in poor rooting. Core aeration can help manage problems caused by poor soil. It will help loosen and cultivate problem soil, working to improve growing conditions.

If you have any further questions about your newly sodded lawn or have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your local Weed Man® professional.

WEED MAN LAWN CARE MINNEAPOLIS WE CARE FOR YOUR LAWN!!

651-456-9696

Got Beer? Then seed your lawn!

Ok, it is just in quick tips later in the article but who doesn’t want to read about beer! (Click here to skip to the Beer part)

I want to seed parts of my lawn. Is there anything I need to know before I start?

Before seeding any part of your lawn, it is important to remember that seeding is likely one of the hardest things to accomplish properly. First thing you will need to do is determine which seed is best for your lawn, and that will depend on what part of the country you live in. When seeding it is important to remember that seeds are in a dormant state and are covered with a waxy coating, which, depending on the seed, will mean an extended period of time before it will germinate once it is put out on the lawn. Watering is the biggest component of getting your seed to germinate properly, as it will require up to 4 weeks of daily watering ensuring the seed stays moist in order for it to germinate. Plus if you happen to go away for a few days and the seed dries out at any time after you have started watering it, the seed will die. Here are some of the important tips to remember below:

• Pick the right seed for the area you are seeding. For example, if it is a shaded area you will want to buy a shade hardy seed. Also, the right cultivar is important so that it matches what you already have growing in your lawn.

• The best time to seed is in the fall when the soil temperatures are warm and the nights are cooler.

• Soil temperatures must be above 55 degrees F in order for the seed to germinate.

• Make sure that the seed has contact with the soil. The best way for this to happen is by combining an overseeding with an aeration or top dressing.

• Overseeding a healthy lawn without doing it in combination with aeration first is a waste of seed, as very little (if any) will germinate as there is no soil contact for the seed to germinate in.

• Watering must be done daily for 15-20 minutes in order to keep the seed moist, especially if there is no supplemental water from natural rainfall.

• Remember: if you plan on seeding in the spring, Weed Man applies an application of pre-emergent which will prevent the seeds from germinating.

How much seed do I need for my lawn?

When overseeding your lawn, the amount of seed required will depend on how large an area you are planning on seeding. Typically you will want around 4 - 6 pounds of seed per thousand square feet.

How can I get small areas that are bare or thin to fill in quickly?

One small trick to help get your seed to germinate quickly is to take a bucket and place a few pounds of seed in it and then pour some beer over it until it is entirely moist. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight, as the beer will help break down the waxy coating. This will allow the seed to germinate in about half the time. Once the seed has been placed in the fridge overnight, remove it and mix it in with some soil and then rake it into the bare or thin areas. Make sure to keep it watered for the next few weeks and you should see it germinate very quickly.

If you have any further questions about seeding your lawn or have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your Minneapolis / St. Paul Lawn Care Professionals at Weed Man.

WE CARE FOR YOUR LAWN!!

Red Thread

Red Thread Lawn Disease :

This lawn disease is a parasitic form of plant life called fungi. Fungi live in the soil, thatch and dead leaves all year round. These fungi feed off the grass by drawing nutrients from it. The disease spreads throughout the lawn in the form of spores. These spores are spread by wind, air, water and humans. The disease is especially severe on slow growing, nitrogen deficient turf. Blue grasses, rye grasses and bent grasses can be affected. Fine leafed fescues and some rye grasses are particularly susceptible.

Control of Sod Webworm

in Home Lawns

Description: Sod Web Worm

There are several species of caterpillars called sod webworms that can be highly destructive pests of Minnesota lawns. Damage to grass is caused by the feeding of the larval or “worm” stage. The damage first appears in early spring. The damage shows up as small dead patches of grass among the normally growing grass. The summer generation of the Sod Web Worm (webworm) may cause general turf thinning or even irregular dead patches in late June into early August. Sod webworms prefer sunny areas and the larvae are often found on south facing, steep slopes and banks, where it is hot and dry. Heavily shaded turf is seldom attacked by the larvae. Sod webworm adults are about 3/4-inch long, cigar-shaped and white-colored moths. The moths are easily identifiable as they tend to fly up from their resting spots when disturbed. You may notice them while mowing or when walking through your lawn. Simply spotting these moths does not necessarily mean you have a sod webworm infestation. However, if you notice the moths as well as the damaged areas in your lawn, you could have a sod webworm problem.

Control Strategies for the Sod webworm:

1. Cultural Control - Use Fertilizer and Water - Damage can often be outgrown if water is continually available. Considerable damage may occur if irrigation is not possible during periods of drought or close mowing is used.

2. Insect Control - Sod webworms can be easily controlled with Weed Man’s insect control. The best control is achieved by applying in the day so that the larvae ingest the product during their peak feeding times.

Call Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities for control of these and other insects such as Ticks, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Ants and Japanese Beetles. 651-456-9696

Tags: Sod Webworm MN , Worms in lawn , white worms in grass , Minnesota worm , Sod Web Worm , Minnesota Bugs

Mosquitoes MN

Ticks MN

Ants MN

Oh MY!

Hello this is Jess, I have a confession to make: All: Hi Jess

I am hooked on the Insect Control from Weed Man Lawn Care of the Twin Cities. My story is I live in Lakeville, MN. The home I purchased a few years ago was full of wooded area and I basically had no lawn in the backyard. I had DK Companies landscape come in and clear most of the woods and create a way to carry most rainwater around my house. So now I have a fantastic park like backyard. The neighbors house to the north has a mini rain water run off area for our entire block and is a major mosquito and other insect breeding ground and source of many of our neighbor hood insect woes. This issue of Insects is a thing that all Minneapolis and St. Paul people face at some level. The main problem mosquitoes; the darn Minnesota mosquito was the number one problem for me and my home as well as ticks and some ants. Weed Man was able to allow me to reclaim my backyard and I am so pleased with the performance of there product. I would try to use my deck and I would get probably a bite a minute not counting all the mosquitoes that I would swat away every few seconds.

I have a friend that has Lyme disease here in Minnesota and it can be very painful; and being a parent of four children I am very protective of my kids. The other disease that is in the news all the time called the West Nile Virus which is carried by mosquitoes and now has reached Minnesota, scares me that my kids or wife could simply get a bug bite and then catch this horrible thing. I know the odds may not be good of that happening but why would I not spend a little bit of money to increase the enjoyment of my beautiful Minnesota yard and being able to have a barbecue without a mosquito bite every few minutes? Why wouldn’t I want to protect my children and my wife in my own backyard from the ravishes of Minnesota Mosquitoes and blood sucking, Lyme disease carrying ticks and those darn ants trying to eat my picnic food and infiltrating my MN domicile I call home.

In conclusion if you have ticks, ants, Japanese beetles, fleas or want those MN Mosquitoes taken care of do what I did and have Minneapolis MN Weed Man Lawn Care treat for mosquitoes, ticks and ants in my yard. I give Weed Man a 5 Star Rating!!!

*Jess does currently work for the local Eagan, MN Weed Man Office, however his opinion is based off his personal story of how his backyard was reclaimed.

Tags: Mosquito MN, Ticks MN, Bugs MN, Insects MN, Japanese Beetles MN and Ants MN.

Pictures:

1.) Deer Tick

2.) Mosquito

3.) Japanese Beetle