Lawn spray services question

[VolMax]

I live in a fairly new subdivision with 80' wide lots. I had the front sodded in the fall - pretty small area, I have a front load 2 car garage and a lower drive to my basement garage. So I got a quote for $35 to spray and he said it needs to be done 8 times. I've never used one of these services so just wondering if y'all had and how much it typically costs.

Thanks!

 

[VolGee4]

I live in a fairly new subdivision with 80' wide lots. I had the front sodded in the fall - pretty small area, I have a front load 2 car garage and a lower drive to my basement garage. So I got a quote for $35 to spray and he said it needs to be done 8 times. I've never used one of these services so just wondering if y'all had and how much it typically costs.

Thanks!

I am sure there are some yard experts on here. I can just tell you from experience. I quit using a spray service just to cut some expenses and put out some fertilizer myself. However, the $35 per spray sounds reasonable to me. I don't think they need to do it 8 times, but it depends on what they are spraying for. To me, it's kind of like the shops suggesting an oil change every 3k miles. A vehicle doesn't need it that often, but they want you come more often. When I had my service, I think they came 5 times. With new sod, maybe you have them come 8 times the first year and then cut back a few after that. But I am not an expert.

 

[BEATBAMA12]

Zoysia or Bermuda op?

Zoysia - let them spray and treat it, the fungicide treatment for zoysia is very important due to the water retention and high risk of fungus destroying a good portion of new sod.

Bermuda - you should be able to keep it under control yourself if you have time and get soil samples done to see what you may need to focus on, then again the lawn service (if reputable ) can do all the hard work and keep it green.
I like Scott's products for self treating Bermuda, cost will be about 150$ a year for your size lawn and your time spent diy.

I like to alternate bagging and mulching when mowing my parents zoysia I laid 3 yrs ago, It keeps the thatch(amount of dead grass that settles in sprouted grass) at appropriate levels and keeps that zoysia thick and tough.
Bermuda on the other hand should be bagged every time you mow, or else it can grow taller than you may like and retain too much moisture causing water collection and bad drainage.

Try digging up a small chuck about 10 inches deep to see your roots, you want long strong roots with any grass that reach deep and keep nutrients steadily flowing. Do this every few months to stay on point with drainage and overall grass health, weak roots in any species will cause sudden changes when the temp fluctuates.

Or if you don't mind spending the money just let a lawn are professional to treat your investment and keep your property value high.

I have 10 yrs landscaping and lawn maintenance experience.

 

[VolMax]

Zoysia or Bermuda op?

Zoysia - let them spray and treat it, the fungicide treatment for zoysia is very important due to the water retention and high risk of fungus destroying a good portion of new sod.

Bermuda - you should be able to keep it under control yourself if you have time and get soil samples done to see what you may need to focus on, then again the lawn service (if reputable ) can do all the hard work and keep it green.
I like Scott's products for self treating Bermuda, cost will be about 150$ a year for your size lawn and your time spent diy.

I like to alternate bagging and mulching when mowing my parents zoysia I laid 3 yrs ago, It keeps the thatch(amount of dead grass that settles in sprouted grass) at appropriate levels and keeps that zoysia thick and tough.
Bermuda on the other hand should be bagged every time you mow, or else it can grow taller than you may like and retain too much moisture causing water collection and bad drainage.

Try digging up a small chuck about 10 inches deep to see your roots, you want long strong roots with any grass that reach deep and keep nutrients steadily flowing. Do this every few months to stay on point with drainage and overall grass health, weak roots in any species will cause sudden changes when the temp fluctuates.

Or if you don't mind spending the money just let a lawn are professional to treat your investment and keep your property value high.

I have 10 yrs landscaping and lawn maintenance experience.

Thanks for the info.

It's Bermuda. I'll probably go with the spray service this year. I don't really have time to stay on it myself right now. $250-$300 for it to be weed free is worth it...especially since it is new and I'd rather make sure I start it out right.

Zoysia is in the plan. Just couldn't swing the cost difference back in the fall. Had a ton of landscaping to do in the back after putting in pool.

I really just wanted to validate the $35 per spray before I gave the guy the green light.

Where do you live? If you're in 'Nooga are I could probably use you.

 

[BEATBAMA12]

Thanks for the info.

It's Bermuda. I'll probably go with the spray service this year. I don't really have time to stay on it myself right now. $250-$300 for it to be weed free is worth it...especially since it is new and I'd rather make sure I start it out right.

Zoysia is in the plan. Just couldn't swing the cost difference back in the fall. Had a ton of landscaping to do in the back after putting in pool.

I really just wanted to validate the $35 per spray before I gave the guy the green light.

Where do you live? If you're in 'Nooga are I could probably use you.

Yeah most service companies are decent. Just stay in contact with them and ask as many questions you have.

When you're ready for zoysia remember there's 2 main types, El toro and Palisades(sometimes referred to Zenith)
El toro resist weeds and most dies eases and fungus is darker green lower mowing attention

Palisades is good all around and tolerates shade and full sun, susceptible to fungus and weeds while easily controlled and mowing gets tough when you let it get to high.
Both are soft and smooth blades, I mixed el toro and palisades in my parents yard focusing el toro in the shady areas and palisades in sun.
You can't hardly tell the difference.
Good luck! Enjoy that grass!

 

[BEATBAMA12]

Thanks for the info.


Where do you live? If you're in 'Nooga are I could probably use you.

I'm in Memphis, sorry bro. I changed trades and went into the medical manufacturing field after getting tired of the heat and slow winters, Memphis is the 2nd largest city in medical manufacturing , I only do a few side jobs and cut grass for family.
My old partner went into his own business and did it right and just opened a new shop in bartlett, if you know anyone needing any lawn are or landscaping done in Memphis and surrounding areas I'll gladly give you his contact

 

[BEATBAMA12]

Volmax

If you don't already have outdoor lighting/ landscape lighting I recommend going ahead and start shopping around, it adds incredible curb appeal and value, it gets expensive but when done right it last forever and puts a nice touch on your landscape

 

[VolMax]

I'm in Memphis, sorry bro. I changed trades and went into the medical manufacturing field after getting tired of the heat and slow winters, Memphis is the 2nd largest city in medical manufacturing , I only do a few side jobs and cut grass for family.
My old partner went into his own business and did it right and just opened a new shop in bartlett, if you know anyone needing any lawn are or landscaping done in Memphis and surrounding areas I'll gladly give you his contact

Using that horticulture experience to grow weed?

Just kidding! We just put 4 or 5 LED's in the front. Serious lighting is a year or two off.

Primary focus is still in back around the pool Wife dropped about $6,500 on an under deck system this week...no comment (paid for it out of her bonus $ so not much I could say). Hope to add a good size deck with a tiki bar before summer. Gotta get the pool over the top but still don't want front to look like crap.

Thanks for zoysia info.

 

[governmentmule]

post us a picture VolMax :hi:

 

[VolMax]

post us a picture VolMax :hi:

Will do once we get pool opened up...

 

[smashmouth98]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

 

[BEATBAMA12]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

My mother Inlaw converted her bromine pool to saltwater, best move ever, I highly recommend saltwater my son loves it

 

[VolGee4]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

Proceed with caution. I was raised in a house with a pool, and my wife and I bought a house with a pool. It can be a real pain and can be a lot of work. It is a nice thing to have during the summer, especially with kids. But even in Memphis, you really only use it 3.5 months out of the year (at most) unless you want to pay the utility bill to heat it. If you want it, I would go with saltwater.

 

[smashmouth98]

Proceed with caution. I was raised in a house with a pool, and my wife and I bought a house with a pool. It can be a real pain and can be a lot of work. It is a nice thing to have during the summer, especially with kids. But even in Memphis, you really only use it 3.5 months out of the year (at most) unless you want to pay the utility bill to heat it. If you want it, I would go with saltwater.

I'm prepared for the work. I have thought about the heater option. I wonder what the cost to heat it would be? geothermal would probably be the cheapest/ best option. I'm tired of waiting for subdivision pools to open up on memorial day even though temps warranted opening the pool earlier. & closing on labor day!!

 

[Coug]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

You're not getting an average sized in ground pool put in for less than $60,000. A realistic time frame is 3 to 4 months from breaking ground to actually putting your foot in the water. Don't be confused by "saltwater". It's easy to hear "saltwater pool" and automatically think of the ocean when it's nothing like that at all. It's just how the system utilizes a Chlorine Cell/Salt Water Generator. For all intents and purposes the water still looks, feels, smells, and tastes just like regular pool water.

 

[BEATBAMA12]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

My wife's friend has a beach entry pool and it's pretty sweet, great for kids and adults, it is pretty big though, they also painted the bottom black so in the spring it warms up faster but stays warmer in the summer

 

[VolGee4]

I'm prepared for the work. I have thought about the heater option. I wonder what the cost to heat it would be? geothermal would probably be the cheapest/ best option. I'm tired of waiting for subdivision pools to open up on memorial day even though temps warranted opening the pool earlier. & closing on labor day!!

Even in Memphis in most years, my pool is not warm enough on Memorial Day. It is usually the first of June, and my deep end is only 5.5 feet deep. It is kid friendly. We can usually go into mid September.

 

[VolGee4]

You're not getting an average sized in ground pool put in for less than $60,000. A realistic time frame is 3 to 4 months from breaking ground to actually putting your foot in the water. Don't be confused by "saltwater". It's easy to hear "saltwater pool" and automatically think of the ocean when it's nothing like that at all. It's just how the system utilizes a Chlorine Cell/Salt Water Generator. For all intents and purposes the water still looks, feels, smells, and tastes just like regular pool water.

I don't know about cost as I didn't put mine in. But who would want a pool that is as salty as the ocean? The saltwater can just be easier and cheaper to maintain. If I were building one new, I would use saltwater. But when I bought my house, mine was already a chlorinated pool, and I didn't want to spend the money to change it over. With saltwater, you don't have to spend the money every year for all of the chemicals.

 

[VolStrom]

Since this post has derailed from the original question I'll add my thoughts on a pool.

I had a saltwater pool with a natural gas 400,000 BTU heater. All I have to say about it is women have no concept of expenses related to a pool heater. Our pool was constantly kept at a balmy temp from April through October and the gas expenses were several hundred dollars a month. On top of the heater related expenses the saltwater chlorinater device had to be replaced almost annually. It was the biggest money drain I've ever experienced in my life next to my ex, which got the house and that damn pool btw.

 

[VolStrom]

I thought I'd add a comment about the lawn spray services. I used to have Scotts lawn service come by and spray my yard 8 times a year. They are the worst lawn care service I've ever seen. The guy would pull up in front of my house and literally run across the yard, missing about half of it.

I paid for the whole yard, but he would skip the back yard because he was afraid of my dog and wouldn't even ring the door bell and ask me to put him up.

My advice is to go with a local hungry individual that will do you right.

 

[BEATBAMA12]

Since this post has derailed from the original question I'll add my thoughts on a pool.

I had a saltwater pool with a natural gas 400,000 BTU heater. All I have to say about it is women have no concept of expenses related to a pool heater. Our pool was constantly kept at a balmy temp from April through October and the gas expenses were several hundred dollars a month. On top of the heater related expenses the saltwater chlorinater device had to be replaced almost annually. It was the biggest money drain I've ever experienced in my life next to my ex, which got the house and that damn pool btw.

My mother Inlaw is looking into solar heating for her saltwater pool, 3,000$ and about 200$ a year in maintenance and inspections to keep them running efficiently, if you have the money then cool but I can't justify it, paint it black and drink more beer

 

[VolMax]

Well our pool is 36'x18' with a six foot L at the steps. We had an 18" wide, 18" deep padded bench added all the way around except for the steps. Nobody's ever seen one like it. Amazing that they can custom make a vinyl liner to whatever you can dream up!

Our lot is level in the front and slopes away from the road...walkout daylight baseman is at pool deck level. About 30' beyond our patio, the slope dropped off quickly. We had to have a retaining wall built on the back side - which added a significant cost.

He started May 1 (actually 4/1 but if y'all remember, it rained about 25+ days out of 30 last April) and we got married by it on 7/4.

Saltwater system was almost totally maintenance free in year one!

Total cost was $65K.

Will post pics once we open it back up...

 

[Coug]

I don't know about cost as I didn't put mine in. But who would want a pool that is as salty as the ocean? The saltwater can just be easier and cheaper to maintain. If I were building one new, I would use saltwater. But when I bought my house, mine was already a chlorinated pool, and I didn't want to spend the money to change it over. With saltwater, you don't have to spend the money every year for all of the chemicals.

I was merely pointing out that the term "saltwater pool" to someone not in the know can be easily confused. I'm not sure where in my post you felt as though I was talking down a saltwater pool.

Since this post has derailed from the original question I'll add my thoughts on a pool.

I had a saltwater pool with a natural gas 400,000 BTU heater. All I have to say about it is women have no concept of expenses related to a pool heater. Our pool was constantly kept at a balmy temp from April through October and the gas expenses were several hundred dollars a month. On top of the heater related expenses the saltwater chlorinater device had to be replaced almost annually. It was the biggest money drain I've ever experienced in my life next to my ex, which got the house and that damn pool btw.

My sister does this in the summer as well and basically turns her pool into a giant hot tub. On occasion it's nice but doing it all summer is annoying and ridiculous. Her pool, her bills though.

 

[governmentmule]

how much did it cost to put in the pool? if you don't mind me asking. how long was the process? did you do any work yourself to help save $$. What are the dimensions / layout? saltwater? I'm interested in getting a pool installed, if our new place doesn't have one.

figure in if your going to keep the place or sell it later,it may be harder to sell with a pool in it

 

[Obsessed]

35 bucks per application sounds about right.