All Services

Lawn Fertilization program

Custom Grounds LLC has spent years developing a unique program that separates itself from competitors. With the advancement of fertilizer technology, custom blended products and multiple options to control unwanted weeds/pests in your lawn, I can provide you various synthetic or organic options to accomplish your goals. I not only focus on the safety of you and your family, but also the environment. I have reduced nitrogen inputs by 30% while still providing the same lush, green color as my competitors. While most competitors use inexpensive fertilizers that have a greater tendency to leach out and not last very long, I use a high-rate, slow-release fertilizer which reduces leaching, provides consistent slow rate of growth, and longer lasting, lush, green color. In conjunction with the fertilizer, I spray the entire property with an organic soil amendment that allows for nutrients in the soil to be more readily available to the turf.

Grub Control 

Custom Grounds LLC only utilizes the best grub control on the market. It controls every species of grub and also is the least toxic product available on the market to people, bees, and aquatics. We also carry an organic product that effectively eliminates grubs. It has been on the market a couple of years and has shown to have solid results for those who do not want to use synthetic insecticides.

INSECT CONTROL

Turf insects cause varying degrees of damage to turf. As a preventative measure, insecticide is applied once a year to entire lawn. Currently, after four years of discussions with multiple companies, there are some organic alternatives available. Beginning this year, I will be introducing the use of these organic products as I would like to reduce to the impact of synthetic insecticides on beneficials.

Tick Control

For those that feel ticks are a problem on their property, we offer a 2- or 3-treatment process throughout the course of the year. I have had excellent success in tick control primarily using the 2 treatments for the past 12 years. As this product does have an environmental impact, my goal is to minimize this impact while effectively controlling ticks. There are many organic alternatives that claim to control ticks, but due to the lack of official research, I cannot offer these products in good conscience. I do offer one other alternative that has had tremendous success. It is still an insecticide, but has minimal environmental impact.

LIME

First, a soil test is performed throughout the lawn. Once I review the results, I can make recommendations on how much lime the lawn needs. Maintaining the pH in the soil is necessary for a healthy lawn. As the soil pH drops, nutrients are not as readily available for the plant to be used. I recommend performing a minimum maintenance level of lime each year. This is essential as a tenth of a point drop in pH can adversely affect the quality of turf.

Aeration

The process of mechanically drilling holes into the turf to allow air, water, and nutrients into the soil. Custom Grounds LLC uses an AERA-vator which simultaneously drills holes and vibrates the ground to not only open the holes in the turf, but alleviate the compaction in the soil. By alleviating the compaction in the soil, veins are opened throughout the soil which allow for deeper root development and increased air, water, and nutrient movement. On average, we are 50% the cost of our competitors depending on the size and complexity of the yard.

FlowerBed Weed Prevention

If you are tired of weeding flowerbeds, Custom Grounds LLC has the solution. Our one treatment specifically timed will prevent over 90% of weeds from even germinating. It will also eliminate all existing weeds without harming your flowers and shrubs. This treatment can also be done at other times of the year, if necessary.

Lawn Repair/Renovation

During certain years, some sections of lawn will die off whether it is extended drought stress or some other reason. When this occurs, repairing is an easiest way to make your lawn look as good as new. As some inexperienced contractors will insist on bringing in topsoil, 99% of the time that is the last thing you need to do. It adds unnecessary costs and, most times, creates more unnecessary work. My multi-step approach will rejuvenate the dead areas and bring back the lawn in 14-21 days.

Topdressing/Compost

The process of spreading and 1/8' to 1/4' layer of compost (organic matter that has been fully decomposed) across the lawn. It can be used in an organic program or a traditional one. Compost provides multiple benefits to a lawn. It aides in soil structure, water retention, and provides necessary nutrients that the soil is lacking in. We also use compost in our seeding/repair jobs.

Dethatching

The process of mechanically removing dead organic material lying on top of the soil. Depending on the turf type, each one creates more or less thatch. Each lawn will be evaluated to determine if the thatch layer is too thick. This thick layer of thatch creates a "cushion" above soil which reduces air, water, and nutrient movement. It also harbors insects and disease which can be detrimental to the turf. By vertically cutting it out and exposing the soil; air, water, and nutrients will move easily into the soil. Also, there will be nowhere for insects and disease problems to develop.

Disease Control

Depending on weather conditions and other variables, disease control might be necessary. I only perform these applications on an as needed basis and only as a last resort.

DIY Consulting

For those homeowners that want to do their own lawn work, Custom Grounds LLC offers consulting services. Both time and money are things that no individual wants to waste. Custom Grounds LLC will lay out an effective plan for what you want to accomplish and will eliminate the guesswork.