The optimum pH for lawns is 6.0 to 7.0. Regularly scheduled sprays of preventive pesticides are usually not the best way to control diseases and insects. Pesticide is often wasted when there is no disease or insect present. On the other hand, perennial problems such as sycamore anthracnose, birch leafminer or crab apple scab can only be controlled with a preventive fungicide or insecticide. A professional can evaluate your landscape plants, the weather conditions and local pest populations to decide when sprays are warranted.
Core cultivation is an important part of caring for a highly managed lawn.
A core cultivator removes plugs of soil and places them on top of the lawn. The cores are then dispersed by rain and normal traffic. Core cultivation, once a year, will help prevent thatch build-up, compaction and the problems these conditions cause. Ask the technicians what chemicals are being applied and make sure they follow the procedures you have discussed. Lawn and landscape care companies are a wonderful convenience for the busy homeowner.