Basic Programs and Services     Excelsior offers the following quality services in Dane County and eastern Iowa County, Wisconin.----------------------------            Jump to: Lawn Applications -- Basic Lawn Care Program -- Mowing Services -- Weed Control -- Insect Control

Lawn Fertilization
   Your lawn needs nutrients in order to grow. The three most basic soil nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Nitrogen helps primarily with leaf growth, providing that lush, green look for your lawn. Nitrogen is also the most quickly depleted of these three nutrients because it tends to leach out of the soil at a faster rate than do phosphorous or potassium. Potassium aids in root growth and remains in the soil longer than nitrogen does. It therefore has longer term benefits. (In this case, however, there can be too much of a good thing: Excessive root growth can contribute to thatch build-up. This, of course, means more frequent need of aeration or de-thatching.) Potassium is usually applied to lawns in the form of potash. Phosphorous tends to be well-retained in thesoil and does not usually need to be artificially replenished. All fertilizer applications are granular.
   Early Spring Fertilization 
      For 2011, early spring fertilizer applications are to be put down between April 1st and May 6th. Pre-emergent weed control is available along with the fertilization at no additional charge. Because pesticides in general can interfere with beneficial organisms such as predatory insects and beneficial nematodes, opting out of the weed control may be more conducive to overall lawn health. On the other hand, granular weed controls such as pre-emergent are generally considered safer than spray applications, and pre-emergent weed control can make a very big difference in the amount of weeds you will see in your lawn throughout the year. Pre-emergent weed controls prevent weeds, especially crabgrass, from taking root in your turf for several weeks. If you are going to aerate your lawn, you should do it before having an application of pre-emergent herbicide rather than after.
   Late Spring Fertilization
      For 2011, late spring applications are to be put down between May 9th and June 24th. If you had an early spring fertilization, your late spring application will be scheduled at least six weeks after your early spring application. The late spring application will include a granular fertilizer. A spot spray for weeds is included with this application.
   Summer Fertilization
      For those who plan to keep their lawn watered over the summer, a summer fertilization can help keep your lawn looking green. The summer application includes a granular fertilizer and spot spray for weeds.
   Early Fall Fertilization
      For 2011, early fall applications are to be put down between August 22th and October 1st. This application is similar to the late spring application, including a granular fertilization with a spot spray for weeds. The nutrients in this application will aid the growth of your lawn as cooling temperatures initiate the fall growing season.
   Late Fall Fertilization/Winterization
      For 2011, late fall fertilizer applications are scheduled to take place between October 3th and October 28th. This application serves as a winterizer for your lawn by stimulating root growth to help your lawn make it through the winter months and come back hardier in the spring.
   Pricing
      All fertilzer applications are priced starting at $30 for lawns between 1,000-5,000 square feet. Applications for lawns 6,000-10,000 square feet are priced at $40. All lawns 11,000+ square feet are $40 + $4/1,000 square feet greater than 10k. Fill out a quote request form or contact us via phone or e-mail for a lawn quote.
   Programs
      You can save some money by pre-paying for Excelsior's basic lawn care program. Excelsior offers both a 4-application and a 5-application program. The 4-application program consists of the early spring, late spring, early fall, and late fall applications described above. The 5-application program also includes the summer application as well and is a good option for those who don't plan to let their lawn go dormant over the summer or who are concerned about weed control. Excelsior's 4-application basic program is priced at $112 for lawns up to 5,000 square feet or $152 for lawns up to 10,000 square feet. The 5-application basic program is priced at $140 for lawns up to 5k sq. ft. or $190 for lawns up to 10k sq. ft. Also be sure to take a look at our intensive program and our complete program.
Click here to request a free quote. Click here to compare competitor services.


Mowing
   Program
      Proper mowing is important. (Click here for mowing tips). Irregular mowing can result in significant damage as grass blades are allowed to grow long, then are suddenly cut short, making the turf draw on stored reserves to rebuild foliage. A proper mowing schedule prevents this and also serves as a defense against many weeds which cannot tolerate frequent mowing. It is also important that mower blades be kept sharp and a proper mowing height maintained. These things not only make for attractive turf, but also help protect your lawn against pests and disease.
      Excelsior Lawn Care can taylor mowing services to fit your needs, whether you have a small lawn in town or a large rural lawn, and whether you just need your lawn kept up while you are vacation or you are looking for a full-season mowing program. Our recommended mowing program runs on a 7-day mowing schedule.
   Pricing
      Mowings are priced at $25 per mowing for lawns between 1,000 and 5,000 square feet. Lawns 6,000-10,000 square feet are priced at $35 per mowing. Lawns 11,000+ square feet are priced at $35 + $2 for every 1,000 sq. ft. greater than 10k. Click here to request a free, individualized quote. Click here to compare competitor services.


Weed Control
   Weeds will certainly have an effect on your lawn's appearance. Of course, the best defense against weed infestation is a thick, healthy turf. On the other hand, use of herbicides is the usually the most time-efficient and cost-effective means of controlling weeds on a short-term basis. Still, overuse can result in long-term negative effects to your turf by harming populations of beneficial organisms both in the turf and in the soil. Over time, it can also encourge the populating of your lawn by herbicide-resistant strains of various weeds, making future herbicide sprays less effective. In most cases, Excelsior opts to use "spot sprays" to target individual weeds and problem areas rather than blanket herbicide sprays.
   Excelsior Lawn Care offers an optional granular application of pre-emergent weed control at no extra cost along with the early spring fertilizer application (see above). Pre-emergent weed control can persist in the soil for several weeks, preventing new weeds from taking root, and is especially effective against crabgrass. As a granular herbicide, it is considered to be safer than herbicide sprays.
   Once weeds have taken root, however, they must be sprayed with an appropriate herbicide or removed by non-chemical means. Excelsior offers spot spraying with the late spring, summer, and early fall fertilizer applications at no additional charge. All weed control applications are done by a state-certified and licensed turf pesticide applicator.
      Click here for tips on controlling weeds and other pests.

Insect Control
   Excelsior Lawn Care offers insect control as needed with each of its lawn care programs. While insecticide can have negative effects in the long-term, it is often necessary in order to prevent widespread turf damage. This is often the case in lawns with heavy thatch or having a history of insect damage or excessive pesticide use.  Excelsior limits the use of chemical insect controls by generally applying insectide upon the appearance of actual damage. Preventative insecticide sprays may be used, however, as dictated by lawn history or other factors which indicate high risk of insect damage.