NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, been with TruGreen for about 3 years now and honestly I'm getting tired of the recurring charges. My bill last year was almost $800 and I don't even feel like my lawn looks that much better than my neighbor's who does everything himself. I've got a decent sized backyard in Rutherford (maybe 4000 sq ft) mostly tall fescue and some KBG mix. Thinking about going DIY with Scotts Turf Builder but I have no idea when to actually apply stuff in NJ. Like when does pre-emergent go out? And is it worth doing the fall feeding myself or should I still leave that to pros? Any Bergen County folks done this switch? How's the timing work for our climate transitions?

I'll be honest I'd skip the Scotts route entirely if you're already thinking about changing things up. That stuff is basically nitrogen + some filler and doesn't do anything for soil health long term. Plus all that synthetic runs about the same cost as TruGreen when you add up multiple applications. I'm in Oakland and went full organic about 5 years ago. Started with compost topdressing in spring and use corn gluten meal for pre-emergent around late March/early April when Forsythia hits peak. Yeah your lawn won't be that neon green but the soil biology builds up and you get way less fungus issues once you stop blasting it with chemicals. If you really want the quick green fix tho, Scotts isn't terrible just understand you're playing catch up every year.

Agree with WW on the organic angle but also understand wanting something simple. That's what I did - compromise lol. Use the Scotts 4 step program but I started it later than the bag says. For Bergen County specifically I'd hold off on first application until mid-April minimum. Those March warm ups always fake us out and then we get that late frost in April that burns new growth. Forsythia bloom is your signal for pre-emergent - that's usually right around tax day give or take. Second app around Memorial Day, third around Labor Day, and the winterizer in late October before things go dormant. Problem with following the bag schedule exactly is it assumes Carolina weather not North Jersey.

Hmm interesting about the timing. My neighbor uses TruGreen and they were putting down something in late March last year which seemed early to me. Maybe that's why my lawn had that rough patch in May? @WeedWarrior - I hear you on the organic but honestly I'm working 50+ hours and have two kids. Right now I just want something that works without me thinking about it. Maybe if I get retired or something I'll go full compost lol. But at least knowing when NOT to apply would help. What stores carry corn glutenmeal around here? Haven't seen it at the Home Depot on Route 17.

You want A.J. Wright in Hackensack or the garden center in Paramus Park. Also ACE hardware on Kinderkamack has it - smaller bags but decent quality. Home Depot only carries the Scotts stuff mostly. Might also check Frank's Hardware in Rutherford if you're close to downtown, they sometimes have organic amendments.