Dr. Jack's Expert Lawn Care Program Details

Our regular program includes six applications per year, applied every other month.

We treat St. Augustine grass lawns only. Bahiagrass is the other common grass in our area, but it declines when given too much attention (fertilizer and water).

Since it performs best with the most minimum of care, we don't recommend our service for people who have a bahiagrass lawn.

The following information is a general description of the different types of lawn treatments that we offer. Please consult with our horticulturist if you would like a more detailed explanation of the services.

Fertilizer: Turfgrass needs periodic fertilization in order to grow and remain healthy. Each application will include either dry or liquid fertilizer since there are some application advantages to using both types.

The grass doesn't care what form is used and it is more important to make correct applications rather than be concerned about whether the fertilizer is in a liquid form or a dry form.

Dry fertilizer containing approximately 50 percent slow-release nitrogen is used to reduce the frequency of applications needed because more fertilizer can be safely applied and feed longer than when using liquid quick-release applications alone.

Fertilization takes into account the soil pH, the texture of our sandy soils and your property's proximity to lakes.

Insect Control: Our insect control includes some preventative applications of insecticide during the periods of high insect activity and includes insecticide applications between the six regularly scheduled applications for turf (lawn grass) damaging insects (chinch bugs, sod webworms, mole crickets) and fire ants — at no extra charge — when needed.

Fleas are controlled in the lawn when we apply our preventative insecticide applications but additional control measures are needed if a problem develops.

These measures may include additional applications to plant beds and inside the home, which would be at an extra charge.

Additional flea control can be enhanced by using products available from your veterinarian.

You can see pictures and additional information about specific insect pests now at  http://www.pestweb.com or contact us by phone 407-422-3641 or email us by filling out and submitting the form below.

Weed Control: The best way to control weeds in your lawn is by keeping the St. Augustinegrass healthy so it can compete with weeds.  This is done by proper fertilization, chemical control of insects and diseases and proper cultural practices of watering, mowing and sunlight requirements.

Sometimes when either of these requirements are not met or competitive weeds appear in the lawn due to other factors, we must resort to chemical weed killers called herbicides.

We apply two applications of herbicide during the cooler months when broad leaf weeds are the most common and controllable. We also apply broad leaf weed control at no extra charge for controllable weeds during the other four applications (weather permitting) as needed at no extra charge.

There are some weeds that are difficult or uncontrollable with selective herbicides. Your horticulturist may recommend resodding in areas of your lawn for these types of weeds.

Disease Control: Diseases are treated on an as needed basis because the fungicides are expensive and diseases are not a serious problem of St. Augustine grass when properly installed.

The two common diseases of St. Augustine grass are Pithium (Root Rot) and Rhizoctonia (Brown Patch) There are extra charges to treat root rot which is caused by too much shade and water but there are no extra charges to treat brown patch fungus when needed. 

While Brown Patch fungus can be difficult to control, it fortunately is a temporary cool season problem for us in this area and it is primarily a cosmetic problem since it kills leaf tissue only.

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