Weed Control
Our most popular program, the Grasshopper Lawn Program, includes a 7 step "weed & feed" type of service that will help thicken your lawn without over applying pesticides. Our program utilizes slow released balanced fertilizer for healthy controlled growth, broadleaf weed controls to take out the widest variety of weeds like dandelions and a control for crabgrass. We even include beneficial services such as lime to help sweeten the soil and a grub control to stop white grubs from damaging your property.
Crabgrass Control
An effective crabgrass control program should be started in the spring. 100% control is unlikely because of changing weather conditions, timing of application, cultural practices such as mowing, and number of years of treatments. Ideally, 90% control can be obtained by preventing this weed before its spring germination. Mow your lawn 3" high will also help to keep crabgrass from invading your lawn.
Shrub Bed Weed Control
If fighting unwanted weeds in your shrub beds is something you don't like to do - Give us a call, we can set up a program that will greatly reduce the amount of weeds growing in places you don't want them. Typically three to four applications a year will keep the weeds from becoming a nuisance. This program works best if started early in the year.
Dandelions
Dandelions are a perennial broad-leaf weeds. The leaves are dark green, scalloped, and form a rosette growing close to the soil surface. It's large yellow flowers turn into puffy seed head heads when the seeds are ready to be released. The taproots are thick and long, growing to a length of 20 or more inches.
To get rid of the plant, the entire root must be eliminated. Manually digging it out is a futile measure because any remnant of root is capable of forming a new plant. The only practical control methods are the use of control products and practicing proper lawn maintenance. Dandelions grow best in spring and fall. Chemical control is most effective when this weed is a post-emergent seedling. So the best timing for treatment is in the mid-spring and early fall.
Poison Ivy
Contact with poison ivy can leave you with a rash and persistent itch. This native perennial grows throughout Pennsylvania, in the woods, fields, and sometimes in your garden. Poison ivy grows in sun and shade, and in wet or dry places. Its growth habit depends on where it is growing, resulting in a trailing ground cover, free-standing shrub, or a vine supported by trees, shrubbery and fences. All parts of the poison ivy plant contain oil that causes an allergic reaction. Most poisoning occur during the growing season when the presence of lush foliage increases the chance of contact, but the dormant stems and roots of the vine can cause winter poisoning as well. Poison ivy is difficult but not impossible to eradicate. So if you're looking for a great lawn then look no further then Grasshopper Lawns, at Grasshopper Lawns we can help you make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.
Weeds May be Unwanted for a Number of Reasons
Keep Your Lawn High - 3" Is The Recommended Mowing Height In Our Area.
They might be unsightly, or crowd out or restrict light to more desirable plants (especially crop plants) or use limited nutrients from the soil. They can harbor and spread plant pathogens that infect and degrade the quality of crop or horticultural plants. Some weeds are a nuisance because they have thorns or prickles, some have chemicals that cause skin irritation or are hazardous if eaten, or have parts that come off and attach to fur or clothes.
Mowing high means keeping your grass on the lengthier side of its optimum height. In our area, a mowing height of 3" is ideal. This keeps the soil cooler and provides shade that limits the growth of most annual weeds. Weeds that seed on the soils surface need the heat of the sun to thrive. Cutting your lawn short is an open invitation for weeds. Second, once weeds have already invaded your lawn, frequent mowing will keep them in check. A weed can't form seed heads when its uppermost growth keeps getting chopped off.
