Program Descriptions

Program Descriptions

Weed Control & Fertilization Program:

The key benefits of fertilizing and weed control are:

Thicker, greener turf, fewer weeds and a healthier, more attractive lawn…

Our weed control & fertilization programs are designed and formulated to promote healthy, beautiful lawns. Applications are a combination of a three-way broadleaf weed control, slow release liquid/granular fertilizers with iron and a pre-emergent & post emergent crabgrass control. You may choose from our basic or full programs.

What is fertilizer: Fertilizer is a substance that supplies plant nutrients or amend soil fertility. Without fertilizer turf grasses struggle to maintain vitality and color. Fertilizing increases growth, color, and thickens the grass. It is the foundation of having a healthy green lawn. Fertilizer has three main elements: Nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. (Note: All of our fertilizer is phosphorus free) All three elements have a purpose to what they do to a grass plant. Nitrogen is the most used of the elements. It produces fast growth, dark color, and helps thicken the grass. We use a combination of liquid fertilizer and granular fertilizers depending on the type of soil, grass, and treatment being done.

Slow release granular fertilizer releases a nutrient into the ground through a permeable coating around the fertilizer. The release of nutrients is often accelerated during conditions of moisture (watering) and by the penetration of microorganisms that work their way through the coating. Some of the benefits gained by the use of this type of fertilizer are: long-lasting effectiveness due to slow release, requires fewer applications, and the reduced chance of the fertilizer leaching (dissolving or passing) through the soil.

Liquid fertilizer reduces the risk of burning your lawn as opposed to granular. With liquid, the nutrients are immediately available to the roots providing the fastest response to fertilizing. Another benefit is its effectiveness is a fertilizer and herbicide combination for weed control. Liquid fertilizer can spray certain areas (where the weeds are) and the effects are almost immediate.

Weed Control: There are two main types of weeds: (1) Broadleaf (2) Grassy.

The second element to obtaining a healthy lawn is keeping it weed free. Weed control is the second element to having a healthy lawn. We use a combination of pre emergent and post emergent herbicides, with broadleaf weed control.

Pre emergent weed control – is used before the weeds geminate. They act as an herbicide barrier at or just below the soil surface. Pre emergent weed control is applied in the spring.

Post emergent weed control – is used on existing weeds or after the weed has germinated. The weed must be actively growing.

Many herbicides have "systemic action", moving from the plant leaf down to the root, and throughout the plant. This movement occurs best during periods of rapid plant growth.

Full Program: 4 applications: Spring/Summer/Fall/WinterBasic Program: 3 applications: Spring/Fall /Winter or Summer

Spring:

Pre-emergent crabgrass control, three-way broadleaf weed control, and liquid

fertilizer with a non staining iron.

Summer:

Liquid fertilizer with a non staining iron and spot weed Control as needed.

Fall:

Post emergent crabgrass control, broadleaf weed control, liquid fertilizer with a non staining iron.

Winter:

Granular Fertilizer (slow release) builds carbohydrates for winter survival and encourages early spring green up.

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It is important to know that each application has a purpose to what it does. Implementing a weed control & fertilization program is the basis for a healthy lawn. But it is also critical that your water regularly (1 to 1-1/4 inches of water per week), de-thatch in the spring, & core aerate 1-2 times a year in the spring and fall. It’s also important mow regularly at approximately 3-4” in height.

Fungicide Applications: 2-4 applications / year. Depending on type of disease.

We offer fungicide treatments for a variety of turf grass/tree diseases by applying turf & ornamental fungicides and systemic fungicides. Our fungicides offer both protective and curative activity for turf/tree diseases. Our fungicides can also be used to treat landscape ornamental and backyard fruit trees for the control of powdery mildew, rust, scab and various leaf spot diseases.

Common Diseases

Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are round blemishes found on the leaves of many species of plants, mostly caused by parasitic fungi or bacteria. Treatment is active for approximately 14 days. We apply 3-4 applications/year. 28 -30 days apart.

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Red Thread: is caused by fungi and occurs in the spring and fall during humid periods. The disease is especially severe on slow-growing nitrogen-deficient turf. Bluegrasses, fescues, ryegrasses, and bent grasses can be affected. Fine-leaved fescues and some ryegrasses are particularly susceptible. Treatment is active for 14-21 days. We apply 3-4 application/year. 28-30 days apart.

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Melting Out is a disease that causes circular, purplish or brown spots with straw-colored centers on leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and stems. Crowns and roots are frequently affected with a dark brown rot. The crown-infected plants are weakened and may die in hot, windy weather, resulting in a thinning out of the turf in scattered areas. The fungus survives on infected bluegrass plants or grass debris and may be seed borne. Treatment is active for 14-21 days. We apply 3-4 application/year. 28-30 days apart.

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Snow Mold: Damage from snow mold fungi usually becomes apparent as the snow melts and exposes the grass in late winter. Snow mold symptoms consist of roughly circular patches (at least 3 to 12 inches) of dead and matted grass blades. Treatment is active 14-21 days. We apply 1 application in October.

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Rust: is a diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Rust is named after the reddish rusty looking sori and the disease is usually noticed after the first rain. Rust is considered most dangerous pathogens to agriculture and horticulture. All rusts are obligate parasites, meaning that they require a living host to complete their life cycle. They generally do not kill the host plant but can severely reduce growth. Treatment is active for 14-28 days. We apply 3-4 applications/year. 28-30 days apart.

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Powdery Mildew: appears as a dusty white to gray coating over leaf surfaces or other plant parts, the fungus is favored by periods of high relative humidity. It is spread by spores produced in the white patches. These spores are blown in the wind to other parts of the plant or to other plants during the growing season. Treatment is active for 14-28 days. We apply 3-4 applications/year. 28-30 days apart.

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Necrotic Ring Spot: is a disease that affects turf grasses, symptoms are usually first noticed in the spring and can be observed through the growing season. Symptoms are rings and circular patches of dead or dying turf grass. It is most severe on Kentucky bluegrass lawns that were seeded or sodded two to four years previously. Fine-leaf fescues are also susceptible. Symptoms often become obvious in warm to hot, dry weather when the lawn becomes stressed. It is caused by root-infecting fungi. The roots and crowns of plants with necrotic ring spot will be brown to black and rotted. Treatment is active for approximately 28 days. We apply to applications/year in May and September.

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Pre/Post Emergent Weed Control Program: 1-2 applications /year

We use a pre emergent and a post emergent herbicide to control broadleaf weeds & grasses in ornamental landscapes, ground covers/perennials, and non bearing fruit and nut trees. We offer a spring application prior to germination of target weeds and a fall application in late summer or early fall.

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Lawn Insect Control: Our insecticide programs offer control for many different types of pests including: ants, spiders, earwigs, ticks, chiggers, crickets, chinch bugs, earwigs, millipedes, mosquitoes, silverfish & more. We offer 2 applications as needed.

We apply 1-2 applications per year as needed. Every 30 days.

Perimeter insect Control: 2-3 applications per year as needed. Every 30 days

Tree & Shrub Care Programs: 3-4 applications/year

INSECT AND DISEASE SPRAY Targets problem insects and helps prevent /control disease problems. Treatments are done by using insecticides, fungicides, or a combination of both. Our insecticides are formulated to work immediately to eliminate insects that can destroy trees and plants in a safe and effective manor. This is done by an injection process into the tree or by spraying in uniform coverage. The fungicides are used as suppressors and protectors against hard to suppress tree & plant pathogens. The number of applications will vary depending on type of treatment or condition of the tree or shrub. Treatments are applied in April/May * June/July* Aug. /Sept.

Tree Fungicide/Disease applications: Minimum of 2 per year. Maximum 3-4 applications a year: Includes treatments for Oak Wilt, apple scab, canker, verticillium wilt, anthracnose, rhizosphaera needle cast, and more. Treatments are active for approximately 6 weeks.

Tree insecticides: We apply 3-4 applications / year. These applications will treat for: Mites, beetles, aphids, borers, weevils, apple maggots, moths and more. Treatments are active for approximately 6 weeks.

Deep Root Fertilization Program: 2 applications /year. Spring & Fall

We use a tree & shrub root enhancer & foliar fertilizer. This will promote root, tip, & leaf growth, improve flowering, and increase resistance to insects & disease. It also helps compensate for poor soil.

Spring Deep Root Fertilizer is applied in the spring as soon as the soil is free of frost. Fertilizer applied in early spring is available for the tree to use as soon as growth resumes. Since root growth begins before leaf development.

Fall Deep Root To be of greatest value to the tree, fertilizer should be applied in the fall, after the growing season. In Michigan, this is usually after the middle of September. Since root growth can continue until early December or later, fertilizers will be available and beneficial to the tree. Any fertilizer not used at this time will be available when growth resumes in the spring. We apply two applications / year.

Core Aeration: Offered 2 times per year: Spring & Fall

The biggest benefit to aerating your lawn is to allow sufficient oxygen to reach the grass roots. Heavy soil compaction severely reduces the pore space around grass roots which limits the amount of oxygen in that region. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb water and nutrients. Core aeration benefits lawns by increasing the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch, enhances water infiltration from rainfall and irrigation, and improves root growth, and increases water, oxygen and nutrient movement in the root zone._

Vegetation Control/Total Kill: Vegetation management is a product that includes a pre-emergent, post emergent, three-way broadleaf weed control and a burn down product. It is used to control or eliminate invasive weeds or vegetation along fence lines, building structures, asphalt, seams and cracks in curbs. It is also used in a total kill of vegetation to pre seeding.

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We offer a complete line of Hunter & Rainbird Irrigation systems for installations, extensions, or upgrades......

Irrigation Installations: We provide water management solutions thru installing professional in ground sprinkler systems. Your landscape reflects the pride that you take in your home and your neighborhood. An automatic irrigation system is the easiest way to keep that landscape beautiful and provide you with three great dividends:

Simplicity: Save time and effort. Once an irrigation system is installed you’ll never have to drag a hose all over the yard, never have to try and figure out if you’ve applied enough (or too much) water, and you’ll never have to worry about watering the lawn while you’re away.

Efficiency: Because the system is automatic, you don’t need to be there to physically apply the water. You’ll have more free time to enjoy more of your favorite activities.

Value: Attractive landscaping requires substantial investment and careful maintenance. An automatic irrigation system will protect that investment by assuring healthier, longer living plants and turf. Plus, installing a system is a convenience “upgrade” that will measurably increase your property’s appraised value and curb appeal.

Irrigation Activation: Performed in spring. Our technician will activate your irrigation system, check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, valves or other parts, assist or program your clock, and make all necessary repairs. Install pump if applicable.

Irrigation De-activation: We use “The blow out” method. This is done with air a compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) rating of 80-100 for any mainline of 2" or less. Performed in late fall. Our technician will weatherize your irrigation system for winter months. Pumps will be removed if applicable.

Grow in Fertilization Program:

Beck’s grow in fertilization program is used in conjunction with all newly seeded lawns or other areas. Depending on the grass growth 3-4 applications are used. Treatment consists of a granular fertilizer that promotes healthy growth and acts as a booster to the newly seeded grass.

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Lawn renovation/establishment:

We offer hydro seeding, over seeding, and primary seeding services. All of our seed blends are custom formulated for each of our customers needs according to area of seeding, soils and climate conditions. Sod, topsoil, & topdressing are also available upon request. We also provide grading and prep work if needed.

Mowing Services: One of the keys to maintaining a beautiful lawn is in the mowing. Mower height, sharpness, cleanliness, and mowing schedule can make the difference between a lush green lawn and a brown weed infested one.

Mowing services are available in Dickinson County, and some areas in Wisconsin. Please call our office for further details for route availability and service locations. Mowing services include sidewalk trimming and removal of grass clippings. Sidewalk edging and

Pruning, are priced separately.

Other Services available

Spring and fall cleanups

De-thatching or power raking

Pruning of ornamental trees & shrubs

Sidewalk edging

Landscaping

Plowing & snow removal

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Please read carefully:

Auto Renewal:

All services auto renew each season. To cancel your services please contact our office (906) 563-8604. Or submit a cancellation letter in writing. Please note all cancellations must be received 10 days prior to your scheduled service.

Invoices

We will leave an invoice at the time your service is done. Customers who choose to pay as service is done can mail in their payment or make a payment by phone. The top portion of the invoice is for your records. The bottom portion is to be returned to our office with your payment.

Payments

All payments will be due 30 days of services being done. All balances over 30 days will be charged a penalty fee on the next billing cycle. All irrigation installations, seeding, or other lawn renovation/establishment services require a 50% down payment before services can begin. The remaining balance will be due upon completion. All payments are to be mailed to:

Beck’s Ornamental & Turf Management

212 HWY US2 W

Norway, MI 49870

Lawn Flags

In cases of pesticide/herbicide use, we will put a flag in your yard. These flags can be removed by the homeowner after the grass dries (2-6 hours after treatment) in Michigan. In Wisconsin you must wait 24 hours before removing flag.

Contacts

Winter Hours: December - April

Office/Billing inquiries: 1-906-563-8604

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Shop: (906) 563-9697

Summer Hours:

Fax: (906) 563-9828

Email: gogreen@becksinc.com

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

While we try our best to do treatments in a scheduled time frame, we are always under “God's” weather plans. Being too hot, too cold, too rainy are just a few of the reasons we may be a few days behind. On the other hand, when conditions are good, you will find us in your backyard!

Thank you for you continued customer patronage. We look forward to servicing your lawn or tree care needs.