Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Hello GREEN THUMB GUYS customers and friends. We will be in the University Place area again this Spring from Tuesday April 23 - Saturday April 27. If you have not yet already please call us to set up your annual lawn aerating appointment at 801-851-0981 or email at luv2aerate4u@gmail.com. We look forward to servicing your lawn and will be offering the same great deal that we have for years.
Any questions please see the information below or contact us and we will happily keep you informed and help keep your lawn as green and healthy as possible.



Frequently Asked Questions:
What services do GREEN THUMB GUYS offer?We specialize in lawn aerating. Additonally we offer a fertilizer application which is most effective when done immediately after aeration as well as an application of lime. To date, the company has serviced hundreds of lawns. GREEN THUMB GUYS is proud to offer personalized service with superior equipment to give your lawn the best treatment for your dollar. Lawn aeration and fertilization are often described as the two most important thing you can do to create and maintain a healthy, thick and robust lawn. We use 100% organic SoundGRO fertilizer manufactured right here in Pierce County (http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/sewer/soundgro/index.htm). Lime will additionally sweeten the soil and help prevent moss.



What is lawn aeration?
Lawn aeration is the mechanical removal of cores of sod and grass to allow deeper penetration of air, water, and nutrients. Just like your body, a healthy lawn needs fresh air, food, and water. Unfortunately, many lawns are undernourished due to compact soil that inhibits the absorption of moisture, air, and fertilizer. Lawn aerating helps to penetrate and remove thatch, allowing bacterium to further break it down at an appropriate rate. Too much thatch removal can be harmful to your lawn. There are also many positive effects from aeration such as saving water; stronger turf; less weeds; less moss; less insects and disease; an overall greener look; and more. (learn more at http://greenwithenvylawns.com/aerating.htm and http://lawn-care.trugreen.com/cgi-bin/trucare.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=84)



How often should I aerate my lawn?
You should aerate your lawn at least once a year. Some lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic (kids playing) or are on heavy clay may need to be aerated more often. The Spring is the best time of the year to aerate.



What about those plugs on my lawn?
You should leave the soil plugs on the lawn. Rain and traffic will eventually break up the plugs. The plugs are actually very beneficial as they contain microorganisms that help to decompose any layers of thatch that are present. Also, the plugs bring many buried nutrients to the top of the soil. It may not be real pretty for a few days, but remember, we are doing this for the long-term results of a greener and healthier lawn.



How much does it cost?

$50 (front and back)
$35 (front or back only)
$25 to apply lime (raises the ph level of the soil to reduce moss)
$20 to fertilize immediately after aerating (highly recommended).



Our prices are very low compared to our competition. Additionally, many professional companies perform low-quality work; this statement stems from first-hand observation and the comments of many of our customers. Our goal is to always give you the highest quality service at the lowest price. A lawn care contractor is likely to charge between $75 and $180. It is not uncommon for local companies to charge their clients double our price. Some companies strategically price the job by square feet to charge more than you are expecting it to cost.



What do I need to do?
Two important things need to be done before we can aerate. (1)First, all sprinkler heads need to be marked in order to prevent costly repairs to your system. Only those in the lawn need to be marked. You may use flags, plastic utensils, sticks, rocks, chop sticks, or whatever else is visible. (2)Second, the lawn needs to be watered the day previous to aerating. This moistens the soil below the surface allowing for deeper penetration of the tines, giving your grass the best treatment possible; the deeper the holes, the better. Also, there is no need to mow immediately before or after aerating, just continue your regular mowing schedule.




How moist should the lawn be for best aeration results?
Dry ground reduces the depth of cores and aeration effectiveness. Wet, muddy soil allows deep aeration but at the expense of crusting the soil in the holes, reducing access to the roots. The keyword here is moist. Normally, aerating 24 hours after a 1/2" rain or normal watering is best.



How do I schedule an appointment and pay?
Just call 801-851-0981 or email luv2aerate4u@gmail.com and tell us what days would be good for you. You may pay by cash or check (payable to Green Thumb Guys). We can leave an envelope for you to mail in. There is no need for you to be home; however, if you are home, you may pay us upon completion of the job. Many customers prefer to leave payment under the doormat on the day of our service.