FAQ
Are our products safe for our pets and children?
Of course! the we utilize are completely safe. We carefully calibrate our equipment daily to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations and to avoid excessive application. The Greener Blade is committed to the safety and health of its customers.
The Greener Blade utilizes the same exact products as all the top private golf courses. These products proven to be safe for all wildlife and most importantly, direct human contact when applied correctly.
What are Common Turfgrass Diseases (funguses) Found on Minnesota Lawns?
To learn more about common turfgrass diseases (funguses) click here.
What is Tall Fescue and Quackgrass?
To learn more about Tall Fescue and Quackgrass click here.
Can you kill Creeping Charlie?
Yes! We specialize in eradicating Ground Ivy (aka Creeping Charlie.) The Greener Blade is a company that specializes in the application of herbicides and fertilizer products (skilled labor) and offers mowing and other maintenance services as secondary. All other companies are the complete opposite, they specialize in mowing and other maintenance services (unskilled labor) and then offer fertilizing and weed control and secondary. This is because it takes algebra, dedicated expensive machinery, pesticide applicator licenses, special insurance, and yearly continuing education to even apply herbicides and fertilizer products.
How Long before I can mow?
The industry standard says to wait 24 hours after an application to cut the grass, but with our experience and the synergy we create with our products, you only need an hour or two.
How long before I can water?
Again, the industry standard is to wait 24 hours; however, oftentimes you only have to wait as little as 30 min to two hours for weeds to absorb the herbicide because of the synergy we create with our products.
You came and serviced our Lawn and an hour later it rained. Now what?
Please call us within a few days if the weeds are not dying, we will provide a free follow-up on your lawn at no charge.
You were here 5 days ago and my weeds are not dying in some areas is there anything I can do?
Please call us for a FREE FOLLOW-UP. We are glad to come out and address the issue at no charge to you. It is not uncommon for weeds to creep up in obscure areas.
How important are sharp lawnmower blades?
Extremely important! Sharpen blades beginning of every July of each year. Having sharp lawn mower blades decreases the surface area across the tip of the grass blade by as much as five times. A shredded or torn grass blade creates a place for water to escape from the plant. This can cause the plant to wilt and potentially die. Sharp blades especially during July and August will greatly reduce the risk of wilt and can be the final component of a great looking yard. This will minimize evapo-transpiration rates to an absolute minimum.
How long does it take for grass seed to sprout?
It depends on soil temperatures. Generally, proper watering and warmer soil are conducive to seed sprouting. Usually within 7-14 days. In cooler soil temperatures and less watering, sprouting could take several weeks. Grass seed needs consistent 60 degree soil temps for seed to germinate.
How long for aeration cores to go away?
1-2 weeks the cores will break down and begin to provide micronutrients to the grass.
When is the best time to seed and Why?
Fall is the best time for seeding, between August 15th and October 1st.
During this period seedlings won’t have to compete with weeds that are emerging in the spring and summer months.
In addition, seed beds can wash out when exposed to excessive rain. In the spring, Minnesota has frequent heavy rainfall (flash flooding) compared to the fall when longer and lighter rainfalls occur. (soaker rains)
NOTE: You absolutely cannot seed in the spring if you plan to apply pre-emergent crabgrass control. This crabgrass treatment can damage the germination process. Crabgrass multiplies at a rapid rate. It can easily take over a seedbed, halting the germination process.
When is the best time to prune ornamental trees?
Late fall or during the winter months is usually optimal, when the trees are dormant. During this time, there aren’t many insects or active diseases that can cause harm to the fresh cut wood.
What is the difference The Greener Blade and
an Organic Fertilizer Company?
Organic companies use a fertilizer that is derived from human or animal waste. Milorganite is actually derived from human waste! Not only is there a downfall of having smelly fertilizer but organic fertilizer costs more and thus is passed down to the consumer.
The organic herbicides are also proven to be less effective against many weeds, such as the persistent Creeping Charlie. We actually get calls from business owners that own organic companies to have us come in and assist them!
The Greener Blade phosphorus free fertilizer and the particles are actually coated with poly to keep dust particles to an absolute minimum and allow it to be 100% slow-release. This ensures that your turf is being supplied with necessary nutrients all summer.
What is the difference between The Greener Blade and Competitors like TruGreen?
1. Better quality service. The Greener Blade is both owned and operated by Nathan Studer. Nate's staff are also former golf course superintendents and have degrees in turfgrass management. This ensures that you have an educated and trained professional treating your yard each and every time.
2. Competitors, such as TruGreen, use a liquid fertilizer that is combined with herbicide to treat their customers’ yards. This is much less effective than the products used at the Greener Blade. See the fertilizer section for further details on Greener Blade’s dual fertilizer and herbicide treatment system.
3. The Greener Blade applies fertilizer and herbicide separately and ueses a “spot spraying” strategy when applicable. This involves spraying only where weeds are present. This method is much safer and environmentally friendly by avoiding excessive chemicals.
4. The Greener Blade cares about their customers and guarantees their satisfaction.