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Frequently asked questions

 

Answers to questions from homeowners just like you

If you have any questions for Scotts LawnService® that aren't addressed here, please write to us, or call 1-888-736-3478.

Fertilizers
Q. Will your fertilizers dry out my lawn during the summer?
A. Not at all. Scotts LawnService® uses Scotts® professional slow-release fertilizers that will not harm your lawn during the heat of summer. In fact, our fertilizers actually help your lawn survive the summer heat stress. And when you water your lawn in the summer, our fertilizers are ready and waiting to assist in your lawn's recovery. back to top
Weeds
Q. Why won't my weeds die?
A. Our three-way weed controls are the most effective available. The weeds begin to curl and wither in 5-7 days, but it may take up to 21 days before they are gone completely. Still, unusually hot weather, a heavy rain within 24 hours of treatment, or mowing immediately after treatment can reduce control. The good news is that as a full-program customer, you can simply give us a call and we'll be out to re-treat your lawn in 48 hours ... at no extra cost to you. back to top
Q. I always thought that dandelions could be prevented from ever showing up in my lawn. Is this true?
A. Contrary to popular belief, dandelions cannot be effectively prevented. They can only be treated when they're actively growing. Dandelions are best controlled in late spring, after they have sprouted. Once we treat for dandelions, we'll continue to monitor your lawn throughout the season and treat new dandelions as they show up. back to top
Q. Can you get rid of ground ivy? It seems to take over our yard every year.
A. Yes. But ground ivy is one of the tougher weeds to eliminate. It is just one of more than 50 common lawn weeds that we control in late spring. As soon as these weeds are gone, we begin watching for new weeds to pop up. If they do, we stop them before they can get a foothold. (And there's no charge for this follow-up service if you're a full-program customer.) back to top
Q. How soon can I water my lawn after a weed-control application is applied?
A. Although light watering or a brief shower should not seriously impact the weed control treatment, it is best to leave the control material on the weed until it is absorbed. This process usually requires at least 24 hours. back to top
Q. How can we keep our neighbor's weeds from spreading into our lawn?
A. The best defense against weeds is a thick carpet of grass-so thick it doesn't give the weed seeds a chance to sprout. That's one reason Scotts LawnService® focuses on improving your lawn's turf density. And during the season we constantly monitor your lawn for new weeds and knock them out if they appear. back to top
Insects
Q. I have beetles on my lawn and in my shrubs, Does this mean I also have grubs?
A. Most likely. The beetle is the adult stage of the insect. After defoliating ornamentals, shrubs and some trees, beetles lay their eggs in the soil. In a few days, grubs will hatch and begin feeding on grass roots. If you are a full-program customer, you are protected with Scotts® GrubEx® Guaranteed Season Long Grub Control. If not, call our office for a protective treatment or lawn inspection. back to top
Q. Fleas make our dog miserable every summer. Can you help us?
A. Of course! We can treat your lawn in the summer as an optional add-on service to control the fleas and ticks that go after household pets. Which means your dog can get some relief. back to top
Q. Should we be concerned that your technician applied our weed control on a rainy day?
A. If your treatment was applied in a light shower, your results should still be satisfactory. Our weed control products are primarily absorbed through pores in the weeds' leaves. As long as the treatment is not washed off the leaf, control will occur. If you do not see leaf curling or wilting in 10 days, please call Scotts LawnService® for a free re-treatment. back to top
Service
Q. We've had disappointments with lawn services in the past-why should we think Scotts LawnService® will be any different?
A. First of all, we use only Scotts® professional slow-release fertilizers-the best in the world. Second, all our work is done by certified field technicians who have been trained at the Scotts Training Institute®. And third, we continually evaluate our field staff on the quality of their service. It is a responsibility they take very seriously, as it is the basis for their raises and promotions. back to top
Q. Do you have any kind of guarantee for your service?
A. You take no risk whatsoever with Scotts LawnService®. You must be fully satisfied with every treatment. If not, simply let us know and we'll make things right. We are never satisfied until you are. back to top
Q. We use your Tree and Shrub Program too. But we can't understand why your lawn specialist doesn't treat our landscape plants while he's here. Wouldn't it be cheaper than sending a separate truck out to treat our landscape?
A. Cheaper, yes. But not as effective. Your trees and shrubs need a different kind of treatment, which requires specially trained technicians using a specific kind of equipment. Your lawn is fed from above ground, while your landscape plants receive their feeding using special root zone injections that provide immediate and long-lasting results. back to top
Maintenance
Q. Can I mow the same day my lawn is treated?
A. You can mow immediately after we apply Scotts® professional slow-release fertilizers. But do not mow for at least 24 hours after we apply Ortho® Weed-B-Gon® Pro™ weed control products. You'll always find more detailed information on your treatment invoice. As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions. back to top
Q. How long should we stay off our lawn after a treatment?
A. If your lawn received a granular treatment of Scotts® professional slow-release fertilizers, you can begin lawn activity right away. But if you received a liquid weed control, please stay off the grass until the liquid has dried. Depending on the temperature, humidity and wind, drying should take from one to several hours. You'll always find more detailed information on your treatment invoice. As always, you can contact our office if you have any questions. back to top
Safety
Q. How safe are your applications (for my pets and kids, for example)?
A. Scotts® professional slow-release granular fertilizers are not considered hazardous materials. There is no record of human or pet injury resulting from a Scotts LawnService® fertilizer application. These products are all registered for use on home lawns and contain many of the same active ingredients as the products you can buy at your local nursery or garden store. When used by our professional technicians in strict compliance with labeled instructions, they do not represent any significant threat to your family or pets. back to top
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