Common Lawn Questions

At Bull God Lawn Care, we believe an informed homeowner makes better choices — and gets better results. This page explains why we do what we do: how fertilizers, soil treatments, and seasonal timing all work together for a healthy, resilient lawn.

General Knowledge & Product Education

Frequently asked questions

Question

What do the three numbers mean on fertilizer bags?

They represent Nitrogen (N) for top growth and color, Phosphorus (P) for root development, and Potassium (K) for hardiness and disease resistance.

Question

Are professional fertilizers different from store-bought?

Yes. Professional products use slow-release coatings (like PolyPlus OPTI45) that release nutrients evenly and reduce burn risk. Cheaper blends dump nitrogen quickly, causing flushes of growth and shallow roots.

Question

Why are some materials restricted to professionals?

Products like Prosecutor Pro, Quin-Way, and Roundup QuikPro SC require state licensing. They’re powerful, targeted tools that solve specific issues safely when applied by trained technicians - another reason to hire Bull God for complex weed or vegetation control.

Question

Is fertilizer dangerous for the environment?

Not when used properly. We avoid over-application, follow label rates, and we are aware of where fertilizer may end up after heavy rain. Professional timing and calibration protect local waterways and wetlands.

Early Spring (March–April)

Frequently asked questions

Question

What does road salt do to grass?

Salt draws moisture from roots and disrupts soil chemistry, causing brown edges along driveways and walkways. Rinse heavily salted areas once snow melts to leach sodium out of the soil.

Question

How do I fix winter damage or snow mold?

Rake matted patches to let air in, then lightly overseed thin areas. A balanced spring fertilizer restores color once the soil warms.

Question

When should I fertilize for the first time?

Apply your pre-emergent fertilizer when soil temperatures reach about 55 °F — typically mid-April in Central MA. Bull God uses Dimension, a professional pre-emergent that feeds gently while preventing crabgrass before it germinates.

Question

What’s the best way to prevent crabgrass?

Use a pre-emergent before you see weeds, not after. Dimension builds a barrier at the soil line; disturbing it with heavy raking or seeding too soon reduces effectiveness.

Late Spring to Summer (May–July)

Frequently asked questions

Question

Why does my grass look orange or dull?

Cool nights and low iron can cause temporary discoloration. A slow-release feeding or an iron-enriched product restores deep green.

Question

How often should I mow and water?

Mow weekly, cutting no more than one-third of the blade each time. Water deeply 1″ per week (including rainfall) in early morning hours.

Question

Do I need to treat for grubs and surface insects every year?

Yes, Central MA lawns often see grub pressure by June. Bull God applies Acelepryn, a premium, long-lasting insecticide plus fertilizer that protects for an entire season with a single treatment. It’s pet-safe once dry and far gentler than older chemistries.

Late Summer to Fall (August–October)

Frequently asked questions

Question

When should I aerate and overseed?

Late August through mid-September soil is still warm for germination, but air temps are cooler. Bull God pairs this with 18-24-12 Starter, high in phosphorus for root development and slow-release nitrogen for sustained growth.

Question

Why apply lime in fall?

Massachusetts soils tend toward acidic. Amp XC Enriched Limestone (0.4 Fe) raises pH so nutrients stay available and iron keeps color rich. Apply every 2–3 years based on a soil test.

Question

What’s the point of a fall fertilizer or “winterizer”?

A fall application of 18-0-12 or 18-24-12 adds potassium for cell strength and cold tolerance. It’s how turf wakes up greener and thicker in spring.