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Pesticide Facts:
Pesticides are EVERYWHERE. The term "pesticide" often carries a negative connotation. Many individuals mistakenly equate pesticides with poisons. However, a pest is simply anything unwanted, and a pesticide is any substance that eradicates pests. Items like antibacterial soap, dishwasher detergent, and laundry soap technically qualify as toxic pesticides because they eliminate germs (germicides). Yet, when used properly, these items are safe! The same principle applies to products designed to safeguard plants. Just as soap manages harmful pathogens humans encounter, lawn care products control weeds, insects, and fungi that harm plants. The regulations, testing procedures, and certifications for the products we employ on your property are stringent. Initially, the EPA assesses them at the national level (the United States boasts one of the most rigorous registration processes globally). Subsequently, our state conducts its own tests to ensure their safety. No product capable of causing cancer in any mammal or polluting the environment is permissible for lawn application. For more information regarding pesticides, visit the National Pesticide Information Center: http://npic.orst.edu/faq/index.html
Pesticides and PEOPLE. The Agricultural Health Study was created to investigate the connection between chemical exposures and health. From 1993 to 1997, 52,394 licensed private pesticide applicators from Iowa and North Carolina, along with 32,345 of their spouses, participated in the study. The study indicated that pesticide applicators actually exhibit lower rates of many diseases when compared to the general population. There was no indication that licensed pesticide applicators experience higher rates of cancer or disease than the general population. The exception for this fact is regarding organophosphate insecticides & organochlorine chemicals categories, which West Metro Lawn & Snow does NOT use. Because your loved ones are exposed to far less pesticides than a licensed pesticide applicator, you can rest assured that they are safe to enjoy your beautiful lawn! Please note: West Metro Lawn & Snow’s Lawn Care Specialists and Operations Manager are licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicators. Commercial Pesticide Applicators take two or more closed book exams to first get their license. They are then required to take annual continuing education on the subjects of pesticide safety, environmental effects, and best application practices to maintain their certification. Learn more about the study here: https://aghealth.nih.gov/news/index.html
Pesticides and PETS. Pesticides are often used directly on pets to control fleas and ticks. Always follow the directions on the label carefully. Again, when pesticides are used properly, they are safe! The same can be said for your pet’s interaction with pesticides used on your lawn. To maximize your pet’s safety, it is suggested to keep your pets off of the lawn until any liquid products have completely dried (typically within minutes of application). Pets may use the lawn immediately after a granular product is applied.
Pesticides and FOOD. When utilized as directed on labels, pesticides like insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides shield crops from harmful insects, diseases, and weeds, ensuring the safety of food supplies. Under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated to ensure that all pesticides utilized on food in the United States adhere to FQPA's rigorous safety standard. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a national pesticide residue monitoring program called the Pesticide Data Program (PDP). The PDP manages an extensive database encompassing sampling, testing, and reporting of pesticide residues on agricultural commodities within the U.S. food supply, with particular focus on foods frequently consumed by infants and children. Because of these programs, the food that we consume today is safer than ever before.
Pesticides and PERSPECTIVE. Lastly, it may be most helpful to gain some perspective on pesticides' relative "toxicity" in relation to other common products that many of us use each day! Glyphosate, the pesticide used in the "harshest" of lawn care products (Roundup), is considered relatively non-toxic when compared to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Caffeine.  Hiring a lawn care professional can offer several benefits, depending on your needs and circumstances. Here are some reasons why you might consider hiring a professional for lawn care:
It’s vole season! Are you noticing the unmistakable signs of these field mice making your lawn their home? Here are some signs to look out for:
So, you have voles. Now what?
In extreme vole cases:
There are literally hundreds of controllers on the market. However, by and large they are all the same no matter if you have the traditional dial or new digital style. We have two of the most prevalent residential controllers shown here. Just know your controller may look different but will most likely have some variation of the same features.
 When it comes to watering your lawn, there are best practices to ensure optimal health and growth. Here are some key tips for watering your lawn the right way:
 What are Grubs? The term "grub" commonly refers to the larvae of various beetle species found in Minnesota. Two prevalent types are the larvae of the June bug and the Japanese beetle. These larvae are typically small, curled, and have a white appearance. If you encounter these white worms in your garden or flower beds, they are likely the immature stages of these beetles. Grubs are known for causing damage to lawns by feeding on grassroots, leading to issues such as dead or brown patches of grass, weakened root systems, and increased susceptibility to other lawn problems. Monitoring and addressing grub-related issues promptly are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn in Minnesota. How do I know if my lawn has a grub problem? All Minnesota lawns have grubs! However, recognizing signs of a grub problem in your lawn is crucial for timely intervention. Key indicators include:
What is Grub Control? Grub control involves both the eradication of existing grubs and preventive measures to stop their infestation in your lawn before they can cause damage. Does West Metro Lawn & Snow offer Grub Control? Yes! Visit our contact page to request an estimate today!  What is Overseeding? Overseeding involves planting grass seed directly into the existing turf without disrupting the established turf or soil structure. This method provides a straightforward way to address bare spots, enhance turf density, introduce improved grass varieties, and boost the overall color and health of your lawn. It is a convenient and effective approach to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of the turf without the need for extensive soil disruption. Does my lawn need Overseeding? Lawn overseeding proves to be an excellent choice for homeowners facing various issues with their lawns, including:
When does Overseeding occur? At West Metro Lawn & Snow, we offer Overseeding in both the Spring and Fall, in conjunction with Core Aeration. Does West Metro Lawn & Snow offer Overseeding? Yes! Visit our contact page to request an estimate today!  What is Core Aeration? Aeration, also referred to as core aeration, involves puncturing small holes in your lawn to address soil compaction and prevent the accumulation of excessive thatch. This process provides roots with the necessary space to breathe and assistance in accessing vital water, oxygen, and nutrients. Core aeration employs hollow tines that penetrate the ground, extracting small plugs of soil that are dispersed onto the lawn. Widely favored by lawn care professionals, core aeration effectively loosens the soil, granting root systems better access to nutrients and ensuring long-term soil enrichment. While core aeration may leave your yard dotted with small holes, these spaces will eventually be filled with denser, healthier grass. Does my lawn need Core Aeration? Almost all lawns can benefit greatly from Core Aeration. However, this service is particularly well-suited for lawns that are heavily compacted or endure heavy foot traffic (due to vehicles, equipment, pets, or children), lawns that haven't undergone aeration for an extended period, lawns with thinning or discolored grass, and lawns with heavy clay soil, hard soil, or severe thatch problems. When should I receive Core Aeration? Optimal times for Core Aeration in the Twin Cities area are early spring or fall. West Metro’s healthiest lawns receive Core Aeration at both times! Does West Metro Lawn & Snow offer Core Aeration? Yes! Visit our contact page to request an estimate today!
What is Thatch? Thatch is the natural accumulation of organic debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, situated between the grass roots of your lawn and the soil. Over time, a mixture of deceased and living plant material builds up around the grass roots. Understanding the distinction between the advantages of a thin thatch layer and the drawbacks of a thick one is crucial, along with knowing how to address the issue when necessary. Advantages of a Healthy Thatch Layer: A thin layer of thatch, measuring less than half an inch, offers positive benefits to your lawn. It functions as organic mulch, preserving soil moisture and shielding against fluctuations in soil temperature. Additionally, it facilitates the penetration of nutrients, water, and air into the soil, fostering the growth of the grass. Disadvantages of Excessive Thatch: When the layer of thatch becomes too thick, its benefits diminish. At this point, the dense barrier of organic material acts as an obstruction to essential nutrients. Water, sunlight, air, and fertilizer are impeded from reaching the soil, hindering the effectiveness of your lawn care efforts. It becomes necessary to address this issue by dethatching your lawn to restore optimal conditions for the grass roots. What is Dethatching? Essentially, dethatching can be likened to an intensive and potent form of lawn raking, and proves to be an effective technique for eliminating surplus thatch. The primary goal is to facilitate the passage of nutrients, air, and water to reach the soil. Does West Metro Lawn & Snow offer Dethatching? Yes! Visit our contact page to request an estimate today!  It’s no secret that we are experiencing quite an odd and bewildering winter season here in the West Metro. With less than 8 inches of total snowfall this season, you may be asking yourself - what happened to winter? According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the average total snowfall in the Twin Cities Area for the past ten seasons is 56.7 inches. That means we are only 14% of the way towards an “average” winter snowfall! While you might think that we’ve dodged a snowy winter season filled with snowmen, wet boots, and ice scrapers, don’t pack away your snow gloves and sleds quite yet. While climate scientists predicted a winter with warmer temperatures and less precipitation, we still have to contend with a historically snow-filled February and March. The most snow ever recorded in February in the Twin Cities is 39 inches (2018-2019), while March is slightly higher at 40 inches (1950-1951). Will February and March give us a chance to catch up to an “average” winter season? Or are we on track to record the lowest snowfall season ever for the Twin Cities Area? As they say, only time will tell!  Sources: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/)
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