Question
I have  Natural Lawn of America caring for my lawn. I have their fertilizer
service and flea & tick spray. Their costs have skyrocketed. What can I do to
fertilize the lawn myself (about 10000 sq ft.) and control for ticks with natural
fertilizer and treatments? Where can I purchase such products myself and find
out what fertilizer programs exist, i.e. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, etc? I
understand Ringers is a good product, but I cannot find out what fertilizers
they have for seasonal application. Do you have any ideas? I live just outside
if Philadelphia.

Answer
NaturaLawn of America is one of the country's most successful franchise outfits.  But I don't trust anyone in this business.  I can't find any description of what they are using for 'organic' Flea and Tick spray -- it could be safe, it could be suspect, but the real organic McCoy is REALLY expensive.  If they are using organic products, figure they have to make them even MORE expensive than they already are.

Let's say you're worried about Fleas and Ticks.  Understandable.  Who isn't?  Try Bio Tech Pest Controls, 42 Canal St., Westerly RI 02891 ((401) 315-2400).  Safer has a whole line of effective, Earth-friendly products:

www.saferyardcare.com/html/what_we_do_to_ticks.html

You can do a little comparison shopping at Gardens Alive!.com:

www.gardensalive.com/category.asp?c=401&x=13&y=10

The object of Organic Lawn Care is not to fertilize, but to improve the quality of the Soil so that the MICROBES therein will release nutrients into the Grass.  That's ideal because they rev up production of nutrients when it gets hot outside, and just as the Grass is growing faster due to higher temps.  You never overdose on anything, and the nutrients are around for years.

Bear in mind that most Soil in the U.S. is short of NOTHING important when it comes to growing Grass.  Sometimes it could use a little help, but not the way fertilizer companies promote.   It's their jobs to sell fertilizer and Weedkiller.  You just have to be aware that you probably do not need to worry about it.

Most important: Mowing and watering correctly.  What kind of Grass?  That will determine the height of your Lawn.  Any ideas what you're growing?

Times are hard, and your Lawn Care Company must be desperate for customers.  I'm surprised they are not banging on your door begging for forgiveness.  That may happen yet.  Be prepared.  If you go back, cut a nice, sharp deal.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER