What can I do to help the health of my lawn?

We provide helpful tips and answer any questions to help care for your lawn. The most important part of taking care of your lawn is knowing how to. Our team will acheive the health and maintenance required for your lawn as well as go above and beyond by educating our clients on how to help keep their lawn looking healthy and maintained. Let Hired Hands give you helpful tips to help maintain your lawn.

  • 1)
    The key is to mow high. 2 ½" to 3" is the optimal height for a healthy lawn.
  • 2)
    Never cut more then 1/3 of the grass blade. Cutting anymore puts serious stress on the lawn.
  • 3)
    Keep your mower blades SHARP! Sharpening the blade at least once per year at the very minimum helps with a clean cut and again reduces stress on the lawn.
  • 4)
    Water, Water, Water! 1" of water per week is the ideal amount for lawns. This varies depending on the soil type, slope, and weather among other things, but 1" is a good starting point. If you have an irrigation system, your irrigation contractor should have you set up for around this mark. If you need rain gauges just ask and we can help you out.
  • 5)
    Try not to water during the day. Watering during high heat and sun, puts extra, unneeded stress on the lawn.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Yes, our fertilizers are very safe for both children and pets. If you are still sceptical you can ask about our 100% organic program.

What product do you use for your weed control?

Fiesta® Lawn Weed Killer is a selective, broadleaf weed killer that leaves turf healthy and weed-free using a specially formulated iron chelate solution. Fiesta® works quickly, delivering visible same-day results, even in cool weather. And since Fiesta® is made from iron, it has no unpleasant odor during or after application, and people and pets can reenter the treated area once the spray is dry. Suitable for broadcast application or spot treatment, Fiesta® is a versatile, patented product that will help grass look its best, even in many pesticide restricted areas such as parks, golf courses, cemeteries, sports fields, and playgrounds. This product is ideal for lawn care where pesticide bans exist.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Yes, once the area that we sprayed is dry, children and pets can re-enter the treated area. Fiesta organic weed control is very safe for human, animals, and the environment.

When do you start seeing results?

You will start to see noticeable results within 24 to 48 hours after every treatment.

What are the benefits of a core aeration?

  • It allows increased air, water and nutrients into the soil
  • Helps root growth
  • Relieves soil compaction
  • Removes undesirable thatch

How long do the plugs stay on the ground?

Dependant on the environment of your lawn the cores will take about one to two weeks to break down.

What is thedifference between granularcompost/ overseed and topdressing/overseed?

Our granular compost and custom seed blend is a great way to add nutrients to your soil and also thicken up your lawn with seed. This mixture is applied through a broadcast spreader, similar to our fertilizer and is a cost effective way to improve your lawns condition. We recommend the granular compost/seed after a core-aeration for optimal results.

Topdressing and overseeding is more of a project than an application. We apply a layer of blended organic compost soil to the area. This can be done with a special machine called the eco-spreader which is used to spread large amounts of aggregates, or, for smaller areas, wheel barrow and shovels. After the soil is laid out, a quick rake to smooth out clumpy/uneven areas. We then will apply our quality grass seed through a drop seeder to ensure we have covered all the areas.

We can let you know what your lawn requires.

What are their benefits?

Any time you add compost and seed to your lawn, you are creating a natural defence against weeds and unwanted grasses (crabgrass, quack grass). Also, our seed contains endophytes which is a natural fungus that deters surface insects like chinch bug. Not to mention, a thicker lawn looks a lot nicer.

When is the best time to do this application?

The best time for seeding jobs will take place during the months while the grass is growing its best and soil temperatures are above 12 degrees celsius. This can change year after year but usually the month of May in the spring and September in the fall.

Do irrigation systems use a lot of water?

Yes, Irrigation systems do use a lot of water if not installed or set up properly. At Hired Rain Irrigation Contractors we strive to design or modify your system to run at its highest effiency with the least water consumption. By properly saturating your landscape you promote healthy plant life without over watering. This cuts down on unnecessary water consumption and is more eco-friendly.

Does the system turn on while it’s raining?

No. If there is a sufficient amount of precipitation your system may not be needed. If this is the case, then your system should be manually deactivated if it is not equipped with a rain sensor. Luckily, if you get an irrigation installation with us, we provide you with a free rain sensor.

How long does it take to install?

Each property so we waste no time in getting to work. Being ready for each part of the installation is part of the reason we are able to finish in a timely fashion. From pre-making the manifolds, to having each sprinkler head ready, we are always prepared. Commercial applications usually take longer due to the size of the projects.

What can I do about crabgrass?

Crabgrass is an unwanted grass commonly mistaken for a weed. Usually grows in areas where there is too much sun exposure on the ground and areas where the grass is cut too short and/or thinned out. This grass is an annual and will start dying off in late September. Unfortunately, there is no 100% effective way of eliminating crabgrass unless pulled by hand. We offer a pre-emergent corn gluten application which is done early spring, but this is NOT a control but a management to help suppress the seeds from germinating. There are other ways to prevent crabgrass by thickening up the problem areas with soil and seed in the spring, also making sure to cut the lawn at a 3” height and avoid shallow string trimming.

What does it mean when there is digging on my lawn?

Animal digging is the first sign that you may have grubs. These critters, more commonly skunks, like to feast on these little white grubs and can be very relentless to find them. There have been times we have assessed lawns with digging and found no active grubs. This is what we like to call “tester” holes.

What are Chinch Bugs?

Chinch bugs are a destructive lawn pest in Ontario. Chinch bug damage has become a common home lawn problem. Many lawns are only partially damaged, but in severe cases, the entire lawn can be damaged to such an extent that it must be entirely renovated.

What are grubs?

Grubs, the term given to larvae of scarab beetles, are frequently found feeding on the roots of turf and pasture grasses. Damage caused by white grubs initially resembles drought stress. As grub feeding continues, areas of turf (sod) begin to wilt and turn brown.

Do I need to be home during the application?

No, our technicians do not require you to be home during the application, but if you are, feel free to come out and ask any questions you may have. We always leave a driver’s card detailing what we did during our visit, and if needed, anything that we should be doing.