Lawn Care FAQs

I have an estimate, how do I get started? 

You can accept or modify your proposal using our online customer portal. Your proposal will have the details. If you prefer you can call our office 402-476-8873 or email us (info@mramotollc.com).

If you prefer to call, our office is open from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday, and Sarah or Tara will review the proposal with you, detail any special requests, and get the work on the schedule. 

Do I have to sign a contract? 

No, you can terminate the service at any time. If you have prepaid, you will be refunded for any services not yet completed minus any discounts/incentives pertaining to the complete program

I have pets and kids, will the application harm them? 

Our formulas are safe, but we do recommend waiting until the application has dried and absorbed into the grass and soil to be on the lawn. Usually this takes about ½ hour. If there are any specific requirements beyond that it will be noted on your invoice.   

Our office staff can detail any requests to notify you prior to the treatment, and reschedule if the proposed time does not work for you.

It rained after your application, will it affect the results?

Our liquid formulas quickly absorb into the plant & soil, and light rain can actually aid the effectiveness of the fertilizer. For the weed spray, we include a surfactant which helps the product stick to the leaves. We do need about 30 minutes of drying time to be fully effective.  

What if I have weeds come up between applications? 

This may happen, especially in thin areas and stress areas by concrete and parkways, as weed seeds can be introduced in many different ways. If you are on the 5-step program service calls are free. Please call the office and ask for a technician to come out and spray.

Why do I get more weeds along sidewalks and in the parkway? 

Weeds can grow in very adverse conditions.  Soil temperatures can be upwards of 20 degrees higher along a sidewalk when compared to the center of the yard. This of course requires more water to equal transpiration rates. We generally find the perimeter of the yard gets less water than the center due to watering habits and sprinkler setup. Also the soil quality in a parkway is usually compromised when sand, salt, and gravel get pushed off the street with the snow. 

How much water does my lawn need? 

Generally 1-2" of water per week is sufficient. Factors such as soil type, grade, weather conditions, and grass type all play a role in what is required. Our technicians can give you specific advice for your particular yard.

Why does it take longer to kill weeds in the summer? 

Herbicides work by absorbing formulated salts into the plant, which causes dessication of cell structure.  The more favorable the growing situation the faster they can absorb the herbicide, resulting in a quicker death. So it is easier to kill the weeds when there is good soil moisture and moderate temperatures.

There are 6-8 weeks between applications, how long does the fertilizer last? 

The fertilizer is formulated to feed the lawn over a period of time. Different formulations for specific stages of the plant growth with slow release nitrogen, allow the fertilizer too feed the plant over this time period.

I have a cheaper estimate from a competitor, what is the difference?

Some factors to consider when comparing prices. Make sure a high quality fertilizer is being applied and at the correct rates. A fertilizer program should apply certain amounts of each macro/micro nutrient needed to correct deficiencies. In addition, many programs only focus on feeding the turf. Our formulas nurture both the grass and the soil.

Don't underestimate the peace of mind of having an office to call when you have a question to concern.  Our office is staffed Monday-Friday to respond to your concerns and be proactive in dealing with issues.

I like to mow my grass low, is this bad? 

Yes, grass is a plant. If you cut the leaves on a plant, you are reducing the "energy factories" of that plant. For most grass types you never want to cut off more than 1/3 of the blade. This will leave more leaf to photosynthesize, shade more of the soil to prevent water evaporation, and reduce the amount of sunlight to potential weed germination. Make sure your blade is sharp.

When should I overseed? 

Generally we recommend overseeding in the fall. This will allow  pre-emergents to be used in the spring to reduce weed populations. Consult your technician for advice specific to your yard.

Do I need to aerate? 

Aeration helps control thatch, improves soil structure, helps create growth pockets for new roots, and opens the way for water and fertilize to impact the root zone. Annual aeration is advised for lawns with high clay content, and some may need spring and fall if there is alot of foot traffic. 

Should I bag or mulch my grass clippings? 

If you have relatively few weeds and no disease problems, mulching is beneficial to the lawn. Proper mulching does not cause thatch problems if you mow at proper levels. 90% of the grass blade is water which will quickly breakdown. In addition, you are putting back into the soil some of the fertilizer that was absorbed into the plant. The remainder of the leaf will break down and enter the soil profile as organic material, especially beneficial for clay soils. If you have fungus or do not mow every week, you should bag your grass.

Have a lawn care question you don't see here? Contact us today for all of your lawn service needs in Lincoln, NE, and surrounding towns.