When's every one starting?

[DaveCN5]

We start mowing on Monday. :cash I thought that was a little early for our area. Just curious when everyone else is going to start heading out to the green side.

[GMC Driver]

Had a few guys working for a bit already.

Some guys went over all the lawn equipment - still got a few parts we're waiting on. They moved on to trailers this week.

Also had a few out doing some other work - a bit of early cleanup work, sod repairs, cleanup where snow was piled, etc. And had some guys working on lift & relay work, building a fence and gates, got a patio to put back down for a customer who had some septic issues this winter. Earlier start than most years - last week was fabulous weather. This week it feels like March again.

I'd think it'd be a little early to mow. We're about a month off from that. Meantime spring clean-ups, ferts, aerations have all got to be done.

[snowplowjay]

I pulled a bunch of my stuff out on Saturday and decided to play around in my own yard on Sunday since it was soo nice out.

The yard looks great already!!!

[AmerilawnOfWisconsin]

Start this week with fert. Historically mowing starts around April 15th but I have a feeling it will be early this year.

[DaveCN5]

Start this week with fert. Historically mowing starts around April 15th but I have a feeling it will be early this year.

I was expecting an early start too, but not a March 29th start! I was expecting to have another 2 weeks off. Instead, I have to go in on Thursday to start doing clean ups and equipment prep. Not going to lie though, I miss mowing on a Scag ZTR. It will be nice to be doing that again.

[Mark Oomkes]

Fert?

Fert what?

Doesn't anybody pay attention? :p First round goes down Memorial Day, second round about 4th of July, third on Labor Day last about Thanksgiving Day.

Unless you use the really good stuff. PM me and I'll let you know the results of the good stuff from last year. Don't want to give away any secrets to JAA wannabes here in town.

Does anybody really get good results with Pre-emerge? Last several years around here crabgrass hasn't germinated until long after the normal cheap pre-emergent has quit working.

While I'm at it, what is there to mow? Spring cleanups, sure, but even then I'd rather hold off a week or so, way too early for this stuff. But I have one customer that started asking last week already, so I guess this week it is.

[john mc]

I also would like to know what you guys use for crabgrass. Someone said to use corn gluten .

[jt5019]

As soon as it drys up out there we are starting clean ups (hopefully by the end of the week) I think we still have some time before we start mowing

[John DiMartino]

I also would like to know what you guys use for crabgrass. Someone said to use corn gluten .

I usually use a combination product with Dimension....I like it because it does give you 2 leaves of post emergent control...in case you get it down just a smidge late on some areas......In june I spray whatever I didnt get that pops with trimec plus usually....depending on how bad it is...

[AmerilawnOfWisconsin]

I also use a combo product with Dimension. Provides 90-120 days of preemergent control. I do have good results overall. I start early to be able and work thru everyone and get it down before the ground gets too warm and the window closes for it to be effective. Most of my stuff is higher end residential. Five and six visits are common so I need to start early for those guys anyway.

I do have a customer that has requested only three visits. He misses out on the preemrgent application and his lawn suffers for it. His crabgrass got bad enough that he sprung for an expensive post emergent app. of Drive last year.

[lawnguy]

Some thoughts on pre-emergents, over the years. I have tried many products, pre-m, and dimension the 2 most readily available.

I have split apps of pre-m,1st round, then dimension,2nd round.

Worked ok.

No I sell the merits of proper cultural practices. Mowing regularly,at a higher height.
Aerate,aerate,aerate and introducing new seed varities at time of aeration.

The additions of organic and organic based ferts makes a huge difference also.

As for corn gluten, you need a large amount per 1000 sq ft and that can be very pricey.

Everyone has what works for them, I had used SCU products for years, now I use very little SCU products.

My 2 cents

[AmerilawnOfWisconsin]

Everyone has what works for them,

This is so very true. I have certainly learned this about fert programs. Seems everyone you talk to does things differently but still makes a nice lawn. I have my base program I stick with but do try different products and approaches every now and then.

[hlntoiz]

Changed the oil and maintenanced things over the past few weeks. Officially started yesterday. Of course it rained yesterday and today.:mad: