ORGANIC FERTILIZER | Composted Poultry Manure

WHAT IS IT? Our organic fertilizer (4-4-2) is composted poultry manure, a great source of natural nitrogen and calcium (9%). It is a granular product applied to the lawn with a spreader.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Since our fertilizer is from a natural animal source it breaks down slowly to provide steady plant and root growth. Synthetic fertilizers release nutrients too quickly which creates excessive grass growth without giving time for strong root growth. Chemical fertilizer run-off can also contaminate water sources

SAFETY CONCERNS? No—composting is the key. The poultry manure is composted to a temperature high enough to kill diseases and pathogens but still retains the beneficial microbes. This product comes from an egg producer who responsibly recycles their waste in a safe and sustainable manner, and we are happy to support their efforts. This fertilizer product has been OMRI approved. That approval indicates it is safe for use on organic food production farms. Lawns can be walked or played on immediately after application.

WEED PRE-EMERGENT | DDG (Dried Distiller's Grains)

WHAT IS IT? DDG is a soil amendment made from 100% natural grains (4-3-2). It is a by-product of Ethanol production. DDG is a granular product applied to the lawn with a spreader. DDG works as a pre-emergent and only affects new weed seed growth, not established perennial weeds. This product is not an herbicide and will not kill weeds.

HOW DOES IT WORK? It works biologically by providing microbes and fungi with large quantities of food material, which allows them to go through a powerful population explosion in the soil. These microbes and fungi then feed on the tender roots of any newly sprouting weed seeds. They will either consume the new roots or severely stunt their growth. Research has shown DDG to be on par with the weed management properties of Corn Gluten. It will work to suppress the majority of new weed seed growth and has an active window of 10-12 weeks. DDG is applied in early spring and early fall, when the majority of new weed seeds germinate.

SAFETY CONCERNS? Since this product is made from 100% natural grains it is completely safe for humans and animals. Lawns can be walked or played on immediately after application.

TAKE NOTE! If you are planning to re-seed your lawn, please let us know. We will switch your DDG treatment to Organic Fertilizer. DDG will suppress any new seed growth, weed or grass.

GRUB CONTROL + PREVENTION | Beneficial Nematodes

WHAT IS IT? Beneficial Nematodes are naturally occurring microscopic worms. We spray the Nematodes in a compost tea solution during early spring, when soil conditions are moist and the grubs are in their larval stage.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The Nematodes eat grub, flea and tick larvae. We use a combination product that includes two varieties of Beneficial Nematodes: Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The first type remains where it is sprayed to attack passing grubs. The second type goes out and actively seeks grubs. We find that the combination of the two varieties give us the best results.

SAFETY CONCERNS? The types of Beneficial Nematodes we use only target lawn and garden pests. Beneficial Nematodes pose no safety risk to humans or animals. Lawns can be walked or played on immediately after application.

TAKE NOTE! In summers that are exceptionally hot and dry there may not be enough soil moisture to sustain the Nematodes. If this is the case, you may notice a surge of grub activity in the fall. Please contact us if you experience a problem. Nematodes do not over-winter in our climate, and need to be reapplied annually.

INSECT CONTROL | CedarCure

WHAT IS IT? CedarCure is sprayed on lawns experiencing an acute grub or insect infestation. The active ingredient is Cedarwood Oil.

TARGETS?

• White Grubs

• Mole Crickets

• Ants

• Billbugs

• Chinch Bugs

• Cutworms

• Sod Webworms

• Ticks

HOW DOES IT WORK? Exposure to CedarCure immediately triggers the erosion of the exoskeleton of insect eggs and larvae, which results in their dehydration and death. Research on this product demonstrated a 100% mortality rate.

SAFETY CONCERNS? CedarCure has no effect on beneficial insects such as ladybugs and butterflies. This product is classified as a Minimum Risk Pesticide. This is a special class of pesticides that are not subject to federal registration requirements because their ingredients, both active and inert, are demonstrably safe for the intended use. Here is a link to CedarCure's MSDS (material safety data sheet).

TAKE NOTE! While this product is safe for people and pets, there is a strong Cedarwood Oil smell which may be offensive to some individuals.

INSECT CONTROL | Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

WHAT IS IT? Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. A mild abrasive, it kills insects within 48 hours of contact.

TARGETS?

• Ants

• Flies

• Fleas

• Ticks

• Spiders

HOW DOES IT WORK? DE is not poisonous and it does not have to be eaten in order to be effective. DE causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect's exoskeleton. Its sharp edges are abrasive, speeding up the process. It remains effective as long as it is kept dry and undisturbed.

SAFETY CONCERNS? DE is safe for people, pets, and wildlife but it may cause some irritation if large quantities are encountered. For additional information please check out the National Pesticide Information Center.