Lawn Company Has Answers for Seeding, Crab Grass and Watering: Patch Business Spotlight

Should they spread seed or not, that's the biggest questions customers are asking staff at Quality Care these days.

"The biggest question right now - and the toughest question - is seeding," said Craig Bennink, Quality Care lawn health care manager.

There's so many variables that come into play in answering the question, he said. How big of a problem are weeds or crab grass? How spotty is the lawn? When do you plan to seed? 

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As spring rolls in, it's game time for lawn companies such as Quality Care.

Quality Care has been in business since 1980. It's office is in Coralville and it takes care of lawns throughout Iowa City and the entire Corridor. The company has 70 trucks and 120 staff members.

Quality Care serves Marion. Its territory extends north to Hiawatha, south to Riverside, west to Oxford/Amana, and east to West Liberty.

Geoff Wilming, vice president at Quality Care, said some basic tips are vigorously raking the lawn, clearing away left over leaves, branches and other debris left from the fall and aeration. 

Aeration reduces compaction, allows nutrients to flow into the ground, and helps the seeding process.

Any guesses for the biggest mistake people make?

Not watering new grass enough, Wilming, Bennink and Mark Coleman, marketing coordinator/ lawn health care technician.

They said some people stop watering once they see the grass start to come in, thinking the seed has taken, and then are caught be surprise when the grass dies.

Here's their guidance for watering and mowing new grass:

• The grass should be watered twice a day for 5-10 minutes when it is first planted to keep the seedlings moist.
• Once the grass sprouts, switch to once a day for 15-20 minutes per section.
• When the grass reaches 2 inches, switch to three times a week for 25-35 minutes.
• Mow for the first time when the grass is 6 inches.
• Reduce watering to twice per week for 30-45 minutes per section.

Details

Quality Care

306 Second Street in Coralville

Iowa City Phone: 319-354-3108

Cedar Rapids Phone: 319-366-7822

http://www.quality-care.com/