Paging swstout. Please pick up the white courtesy phone in the lobby.

[mark123]

Mr. Stout I was wondering if you could give some insight into your spray rig and how you apply different products to different lawns. Do you have separate tanks? Gas powered or electric pump? Any issues carrying a tank due to weight? This year is winding down and I already have my last application finished so this is mostly planning for next year. What is your take on offering a mix of organic and traditional lawn applications? Can they compliment each other or will one undo the other?

[swstout]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by mark123 Mr. Stout I was wondering if you could give some insight into your spray rig and how you apply different products to different lawns. Do you have separate tanks? Gas powered or electric pump? Any issues carrying a tank due to weight? This year is winding down and I already have my last application finished so this is mostly planning for next year. What is your take on offering a mix of organic and traditional lawn applications? Can they compliment each other or will one undo the other? Mr. Stout I was wondering if you could give some insight into your spray rig and how you apply different products to different lawns. Do you have separate tanks? Gas powered or electric pump? Any issues carrying a tank due to weight? This year is winding down and I already have my last application finished so this is mostly planning for next year. What is your take on offering a mix of organic and traditional lawn applications? Can they compliment each other or will one undo the other? I spray three different ways. A backpack sprayer (this will really wear you out). A hose end sprayer (good for fenced in yards that you can't get a tractor in). Tow behind sprayers (FIMCO) - 25 gallon and 50 gallon. These spray an 80" swath. http://www.nationwidewholesaledirect.com/fimco_sprayers.html?gclid=CMWmpb-Dk50CFSkHswod2jJm2A The tow behind works off the tractors 12v battery (attaches with alligator clips). I am 100% organic . I educate customers on the benefits of organic and the dangers of synthetic/chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicide. Also, I feel this administration will bow to the environmentalist and have the same policies as Canada (totally banned). In the long run using Natures Lawn products is cheaper than the traditional methods anyway. http://www.swstout.com/soil_is_the_soul_of_the_lawn.html http://www.swstout.com/coverage_and_frequency.html http://www.swstout.com/organic_lawn_care.html Steve

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[mark123]

Thanks for the links. I saw similar sprayer kits at Tractor Supply but I'm thinking I could benefit from building one myself. As long as I can figure out the pumping system and isolate the pump battery from the truck battery, I'm good to go.

Can I apply the liquid aerator and dethatcher together? Or should I dethatch first so that the aerator gets in there better?

Right now I am using a backpack sprayer for weed control only. If I move to the fully organic line of fertilizing, I'd probably still want to keep the weed control that I use now as it is effective and I only use it if weeds come up. I'd most likely also use a preemergent like Dimension to keep the crabgrass down. Do you see any issues with that?

[mark123]

Looks like the links answered some of my questions:

... You can also mix the Aerify PLUS mixed with our Biological Dethatcher, Insect Guard or any of our Liquid Fertilizers. Add the Aerify PLUS last when mixing products for better results.

[swstout]

Originally Posted by mark123

Thanks for the links. I saw similar sprayer kits at Tractor Supply but I'm thinking I could benefit from building one myself. As long as I can figure out the pumping system and isolate the pump battery from the truck battery, I'm good to go.

Can I apply the liquid aerator and dethatcher together? Or should I dethatch first so that the aerator gets in there better?

Right now I am using a backpack sprayer for weed control only. If I move to the fully organic line of fertilizing, I'd probably still want to keep the weed control that I use now as it is effective and I only use it if weeds come up. I'd most likely also use a preemergent like Dimension to keep the crabgrass down. Do you see any issues with that?

All Nature's Lawn products can be applied at the same time (mixed).

I highly recommend using a mulching blade on mowers. Put the green organic matter back into the lawn. The dethatcher will quickly decompose it into healthy humus making the turf stronger and healthier.

The only weed control products I use are organic. My primary product is a liquid corn glutin (an organic pre-emergent weed control agent. If you develop a healthy lawn, you won't have a weed problem. Dimension is fairly toxic and it will harm Centipede roots as will all weed and feeds.

Steve

[mark123]

Originally Posted by swstout

... Dimension is fairly toxic and it will harm Centipede roots as will all weed and feeds.

It's just that I'm not convinced of corn gluten's effectiveness as a preemergent. I'm also way up north where the Centepedegrass doesn't grow. Most of my lawns contain Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and *grumble* creeping bentgrass *grumble*.

I'd like to find something that only kills creeping bentgrass.

As long as the Dimension doesn't harm the soil microorganisms or damage the healthy soil I'd be happy.

[swstout]

Originally Posted by mark123

It's just that I'm not convinced of corn gluten's effectiveness as a preemergent. I'm also way up north where the Centepedegrass doesn't grow. Most of my lawns contain Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and *grumble* creeping bentgrass *grumble*.

I'd like to find something that only kills creeping bentgrass.

As long as the Dimension doesn't harm the soil microorganisms or damage the healthy soil I'd be happy.

The main ingredient in Dimension is Dithiopyr

http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Detail_...Rec_Id=PC33292

Steve

[picframer]

Steve, age is getting to me......what is that product we were using in the spring for grub, I lost the link and need to order about three million for a clients lawn rush, I thought it was nanodes or something along that line.....I need to find the receipt where I ordered them out of Ontario and for the like of me can't.....probably too tired

[mark123]

Andy, are you thinking of "nematodes"?

[swstout]

Originally Posted by picframer

Steve, age is getting to me......what is that product we were using in the spring for grub, I lost the link and need to order about three million for a clients lawn rush, I thought it was nanodes or something along that line.....I need to find the receipt where I ordered them out of Ontario and for the like of me can't.....probably too tired

http://www.arbico-organics.com/benef...nematodes.html

Steve