Frequently Asked Questions

Lawn Care & Maintenance

  • Q: How often should I have my lawn mowed?

    A: The frequency depends on the type of grass and the season. During the growing season (typically April-September in the Pee Dee), weekly or bi-weekly service is standard. In the dormant season (October-March), service may be reduced to every few weeks.


  • Q: What is included in a standard lawn care contract?

    A: Standard contracts typically include mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing. Many full-service programs also incorporate fertilization and weed control applications to keep your lawn healthy year-round.

  • Q: How much water does my lawn need?

    A: Warm-season grasses common in the Pee Dee Region (like Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia) generally need about 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week. It's best to water deeply but infrequently (e.g., a few times a week) to encourage deep root growth.

  • Q: What should I do to prepare my lawn for cooler weather as fall begins?

    In the Pee Dee region, there are several steps to prepare your lawn for the cooler months: Aerate the soil if there’s compaction (especially in high-traffic areas). Apply a winterizer fertilizer in early fall to boost root development. Overseed bare or thinning warm-season grass areas in late summer to early fall so new grass gets established before dormancy. Drop mowing height gradually, but avoid scalping the grass. Clean debris (leaves, branches) from your lawn regularly to prevent fungal diseases and to allow sunlight and air circulation.

  • Q: When is the best time to apply pre-emergent weed control for winter weeds here, and which weeds are common?

    For winter weeds (such as annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, and others), applying a pre-emergent in mid to late fall (roughly October) gives the best protection. It’s also important to time it before soil temperatures drop too low, because once weed seeds germinate, pre-emergents are less effective. Follow up with post-emergent treatment in late winter or early spring if needed.

  • Q: How should I care for irrigation systems during fall and winter to avoid damage?

    As temperatures begin to drop, drain or blow out irrigation lines to prevent freezing and potential cracking, even though hard freezes are less common in the Pee Dee, sudden cold snaps can still occur. Shut off irrigation controllers or set schedules to minimal watering; turf and many plants need less moisture when dormant. Inspect drip lines, sprinkler heads, and valves now so any leaks or damage can be repaired before spring. 

  • Q: What trees or shrubs benefit from fall or winter pruning, and when is safe to do it?

    Late fall (after leaves drop) to early winter is typically good timing for pruning many trees and deciduous shrubs. This allows you to better see structure, remove dead or diseased branches, and reduce risk of pest/disease spread. Avoid heavy pruning of spring-flowering trees and shrubs too late into winter, as their flower buds may already be set; pruning then risks reducing blooms. Always use clean, sharp tools, and prune branches so that cuts are clean and can heal well

  • Q: Should I mulch garden beds in fall, and what type of mulch works best here?

    Yes – applying fresh mulch in fall helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture (important during occasional dry winter weather), and reduce weeds. Organic mulches (e.g. pine straw, wood chips, shredded bark) are good; certain materials like pine straw decompose more quickly, so may need refreshing. Mulch depth should generally be 2-3 inches; avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks (“volcano mulching”) to prevent rot or pest issues

  • Q: How can I protect plants from winter damage, especially ornamentals or sensitive species?

    A: For sensitive ornamentals or plants that struggle with cold, consider covering with burlap, frost cloth, or other protective wraps when cold snaps are forecasted. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early fall so plants have energy reserves before cold sets in. Water deeply before first expected freeze, when soil is still workable—plants with sufficient moisture fare better during cold. If possible, move container plants into more sheltered locations (near buildings, under eaves) or insulate them. After winter, inspect plants for winter burn or cold damage and prune back as needed to encourage healthy regrowth.

Weed Control & Pest Management

  • Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?

    A: Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weeds sprout to prevent them from growing. Post-emergent herbicides are used to kill weeds that have already emerged and are actively growing in your lawn.


  • Q: Is it safe for my pets and family to be on the lawn after a treatment?

    A: Most companies use EPA-registered products and will provide information on when it's safe to re-enter the treated area. For liquid applications, this is usually once the product has completely dried, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on weather conditions.

  • Q: What are common pests in the Pee Dee Region?

    A: Common pests include fire ants, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and termites. Many pest control companies offer specific services to target these pests, including preventative treatments and full-scale extermination.


Landscape & Gardening Services

  • Q: What is the difference between landscaping and gardening?

    A: Gardening typically focuses on the planting and care of flowers, crops, and other plants. Landscaping is a broader term that includes gardening but also encompasses the design and construction of outdoor spaces, such as installing hardscapes, irrigation systems, or re-grading land.


  • Q: How much does it cost to have a landscaping project done?

    A: The cost of a landscaping project can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a small job to several thousand for a full redesign. Factors that influence the price include the scope of work, materials used, and the size of the area. Most companies provide a free, no-obligation estimate.


  • Q: How often should I add mulch or pine straw to my garden beds?

    A: It's recommended to reinstall mulch annually to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. Pine straw typically needs to be refreshed more often, around every six months, as it decomposes more quickly.

Tree Care Services

  • Q: When is the best time to have trees trimmed or pruned?

    A: For most trees, the ideal time for major trimming or pruning is during the late fall or early spring when the tree is dormant. This minimizes stress on the tree and reduces the risk of disease transmission.

  • Q: What is the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?

    A: Trimming is typically done to maintain a tree's appearance and remove overhanging or dead branches. Pruning is a more strategic process focused on a tree's health and structure, removing specific branches to promote growth or prevent disease.

  • Q: How do I know if I should hire a professional arborist?

    A: You should always hire a professional for complex or dangerous jobs, such as removing large trees or branches near power lines or your home. A professional arborist is trained and equipped to work safely and will have the necessary licenses and insurance.

Junk Removal Services

  • Q: How is the price of junk removal determined?

    A: Most junk removal services charge based on the volume of junk you have—specifically, how much space it takes up in their truck. Labor, sorting, loading, and disposal are typically included in the price.

  • Q: What kinds of items can you take?

    A: Reputable junk removal services can take a wide variety of items, including old furniture, appliances, electronics, yard debris, and construction waste. They often handle everything from single-item pickups to full property cleanouts.

  • Q: What happens to the junk after it's removed?

    A: Most professional junk removal companies are committed to eco-friendly disposal. They will sort through the materials to recycle or donate what they can, and responsibly dispose of the rest, minimizing what ends up in a landfill.