Lawn Renovation

We offer two options to choose from. During our on-site estimate we can help you determine which option makes the most sense for your specific situation. If you are after a sod like results for a fraction of the price, we recommend a full renovation. For those who simply want to improve their existing lawn, a partial renovation may be the perfect option.

Complete renovation - (Start over from scratch) - Full renovation is only performed (aug 1-Sept 15 to ensure best results) (lawns will be seeded between sept 1st-15)

  • Kill existing lawn area (2-3x applications spaced two weeks apart)

  • Scalp lawn and collect debris

  • Aerate lawn (2x pass)

  • Scarify lawn (2x pass) and collect all debris

  • Surface leveling 1 cubic yard per 1 sqft (fix divots, low spots, etc)

  • Wetting agent + specialty pre-emergent + preventative fungicide

  • Seed lawn with elite cultivars

  • Top-dress with premium soil conditioner

  • Heavy initial watering (2x)

  • Program irrigation timer (3x) (access needed if inside garage)

  • 6 follow up visits included

Partial renovation - (improve existing lawn) - (Early spring April-May 15)

Scalp lawn and collect debris

  • Aerate lawn (2x pass)

  • Scarify lawn (2x pass) and collect all debris

  • Minor surface grading (fix divots, low spots, etc)

  • Wetting agent

  • Seed lawn with Elite cultivars

  • Top-dress with premium soil conditioner

  • Heavy initial watering

  • Program irrigation timer (3x)

  • 2x fertilizer application

  • 2 follow up visits included

Why does my lawn look bad? The long answer…

Maintaining an attractive lawn can be relatively easy in the best of circumstances, and be a little bit more challenging and in others. Many of our renovation customers have had new sod installed only to find in a matter of a few years bares little resemblance to what they started with. Decline in almost every situation stems from one of more of the following: inadequate sunlight, improper watering practices, poor drainage, infrequent mowing, and inadequate nitrogen. When conditions decline, desirable grass types become stressed to the point of thinning or die-off. When this happens invasive grass types and weeds fill in the voids. While most lawns in our area stay relatively green throughout winter and early spring, the effects become pronounced during the late spring and summer months. As temperatures increase many of the invading grasses will naturally go dormant leading to splotchy patches. At this point it is common for well intentioned homeowners and lawn care operators alike to increase irrigation. This leads to an environment where shallow rooted invasive grasses can proliferate during the summer months. Over time it can be common to have more weedy grass types than desirable grass types. In the industry this is referred to as a “climaxed” lawn. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it is not the look most considering hiring a landscape contractor are after.

It is important to understand what your desired expectation is when it comes to lawn care.

Be selective in who you hire…

I have seen countless homeowners and business owners pay for new sod only to have it decline to the point of starting over due to improper maintenance. Having spent years working as a maintenance foreman for the area’s premier landscape contractor, I can tell you that landscape maintenance professionals are few and far between. (Though you wouldn’t know it by driving down the road!) It can be demanding work and most don’t stay in the industry long enough to develop the skills or knowledge base required to properly manage a landscape throughout the seasons. Unless lawn care is a hobby, it often makes sense to hire a skilled professional to protect your investment.

Weather you are in pursuit of Wrigley field, or someone who just wants a presentable lawn to keep the HOA at bay…

The details when it comes to turf establishment and care are critically important to sustaining a beautiful lawn. I use time proven methods combined with modern innovation and experience to deliver results at a fraction of the price of new sod. We offer a variety of evidence based lawn care services to keep your investment in top condition for years to come.