Lawn Care & Exterior Services FAQ
Have a question about our services? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get from homeowners throughout Clarksville, TN, Oak Grove, KY, Fort Campbell, and the surrounding communities. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call or send us a message and we’ll get back to you quickly.
Lawn Care & Trimming
How short should I cut my grass in the summer?
During the summer, most warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia do best when kept between one and two inches. Cool-season grasses like tall fescue should be kept a bit higher, around three to four inches, to help shade the soil and reduce moisture loss during heat spells. Cutting too short in summer stresses the turf and makes it more vulnerable to drought and disease.
What happens if I skip mowing for several weeks?
Grass that gets too long before being cut is harder on the turf than regular mowing. Cutting off more than one third of the blade at once shocks the grass and can leave it looking brown and stressed. Tall grass also mats down, holds moisture against the soil, and creates better conditions for pests and fungal growth.
Should I leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing?
In most cases, yes. Grass clippings break down quickly and return nitrogen back into the soil, which acts as a light natural fertilizer. This works best when clippings are short and spread evenly rather than left in thick clumps. If the grass was too long before cutting and the clippings are heavy, it’s better to bag or rake them so they don’t smother the lawn beneath.
How do I know if my lawn is being mowed at the right height?
A good indicator is how your lawn looks and feels two or three days after a cut. If it greens back up quickly, retains color, and doesn’t show signs of stress or browning, the height is likely right. If it looks scalped, dry, or straw-like after mowing, the blade may be set too low for your grass type or the current conditions.
Do you offer one-time mowing or only recurring service?
We work with homeowners on both a one-time and recurring basis. Some clients need a single cut before a home sale, after a vacation, or ahead of an event. Others prefer a regular weekly or biweekly schedule throughout the season. We’re flexible and happy to discuss whatever setup works best for your situation.
Mulching
Can I mulch too early in the spring?
Mulching too early in spring can actually slow the soil from warming up, which delays plant growth. It’s generally better to wait until the ground has had a chance to warm after the last frost before applying fresh mulch. In the Clarksville area, mid to late spring is usually the right window for most landscape beds.
What is the difference between dyed and natural mulch?
Dyed mulch has been treated with colorant to give it a more uniform appearance and make the color last longer before fading. Natural mulch holds its color for a shorter time but breaks down more readily and adds organic matter to the soil as it does. Both are safe and functional. The choice usually comes down to the look you prefer and how long you want the color to hold.
Will mulch attract termites or other insects to my home?
Mulch itself does not attract termites, but keeping mulch piled against your home’s foundation creates conditions where termites and other insects are more likely to go unnoticed. We recommend keeping mulch at least a few inches away from the base of your home’s siding or foundation as a simple precaution. Proper installation eliminates most of the risk.
How do I know when my mulch needs to be refreshed?
When the mulch in your beds has faded significantly, broken down to a thin layer, or started to look compacted and matted, it’s time for a refresh. A quick way to check is to measure the depth. If it has dropped below an inch in most areas, a fresh application will restore the benefits. Most beds in the Clarksville area need a refresh once a year.
Does mulch need to be watered after installation?
Light watering after mulch installation helps it settle and begin doing its job of retaining moisture in the soil below. It is not required, but it does help the mulch layer lock in place, especially in windy conditions. Rain in the days following installation works just as well if it’s in the forecast.
Fertilization & Weed Control
Is it safe for kids and pets after a lawn treatment?
Most professional lawn treatments are safe for kids and pets once the product has dried, which typically takes one to two hours depending on conditions. We follow all label guidelines on every application and can let you know the recommended wait time for the specific product used on your lawn. If you have specific concerns, just ask before the treatment is applied.
Why do weeds keep coming back even after treatment?
Weed control treatments address what is present at the time of application, but weed seeds already in the soil can still germinate later. This is why a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments applied on the right seasonal schedule is more effective than a single application. Consistent treatment over time significantly reduces weed pressure year after year.
Can I water my lawn right after a fertilizer application?
Light watering after a granular fertilizer application actually helps activate the product and move it into the soil where the roots can access it. With liquid applications, it is better to wait until the product has dried before watering. We’ll give you specific instructions after each visit based on what was applied.
What is a winterizer fertilizer and does my lawn need one?
A winterizer is a fertilizer applied in the fall that is higher in potassium, which strengthens grass roots and helps turf survive cold temperatures. It also stores nutrients in the root system that the lawn draws on when it starts coming out of dormancy in spring. Most lawns in the Clarksville area benefit from a fall winterizer application before temperatures drop consistently below 50 degrees.
Will weed control treatments work on all types of weeds?
Different products target different weed types. Broadleaf weed control works well on dandelions, clover, and chickweed but won’t affect grassy weeds like crabgrass. Grassy weeds require a separate pre-emergent or post-emergent product. We assess the specific weed pressure in your lawn before treating so the right products are used for what is actually growing there.
Lawn Aeration & Overseeding
How do I know if my soil is compacted?
A simple test is to push a screwdriver or pencil into the soil by hand. If it goes in easily, the soil is in decent shape. If you have to push hard or it barely penetrates, the soil is likely compacted and your lawn would benefit from aeration. Other signs include water pooling on the surface after rain instead of soaking in, and grass that stays thin despite regular care.
Should I mow before or after aeration?
Mowing before aeration is the better approach. Shorter grass makes it easier for the aerator to pull clean plugs from the soil and gives overseeded grass better access to the ground after treatment. After aeration and overseeding, it’s best to wait until the new grass has had a chance to establish before mowing again, which is usually about three to four weeks.
Can I aerate a lawn that was just seeded?
No. Aeration on a newly seeded lawn will disturb the seed before it has a chance to germinate and establish. The correct order is to aerate first, overseed immediately after, and then allow the new grass to grow in fully before considering aeration again. Trying to aerate too soon after seeding wastes the seed and the effort.
How long should I stay off the lawn after aeration and overseeding?
Light foot traffic is generally fine after a day or two. However, keeping heavy foot traffic, pets, and equipment off the lawn for at least three to four weeks gives the new seed the best chance to germinate and take hold without being disturbed. The more consistently you can protect those areas during germination, the better the results will be.
Does aeration work for all grass types?
Yes, but the timing varies by grass type. Cool-season grasses like tall fescue respond best to fall aeration, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia benefit more from spring or early summer treatment when they are actively growing. Aerating at the wrong time of year for your grass type reduces the effectiveness of the treatment significantly.
Painting & Staining
How do I know if my deck needs to be stripped before restaining?
If the existing stain is peeling, flaking, or no longer absorbing water (you can test this by sprinkling a few drops on the surface), it needs to be stripped or sanded before a new coat is applied. Applying stain over a failing finish traps moisture underneath and causes the new coat to fail quickly. A properly prepped surface holds a finish two to three times longer than one that was skipped over.
Can you paint or stain pressure-treated wood?
Yes, but timing matters. Freshly installed pressure-treated wood needs time to dry out before it will accept paint or stain properly. Depending on the moisture content and how the wood was stored, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. We can assess the wood and let you know whether it is ready or if it needs more time before we proceed.
How many coats does exterior paint typically need?
Most exterior paint jobs require two coats for full coverage and durability. In some cases, a primer coat is needed first, particularly on bare wood, previously unpainted surfaces, or areas where old paint has been removed down to the substrate. Skipping coats to save time leads to uneven coverage and a finish that wears through faster than it should.
What sheen level is best for exterior surfaces?
Satin and semi-gloss finishes tend to hold up best on exterior surfaces in the Clarksville climate. They are more resistant to moisture and easier to clean than flat finishes, which matters in an area with humid summers and significant rainfall. Flat paint is generally not recommended for exterior wood or trim because it absorbs moisture more readily and breaks down faster.
Do you provide the paint and stain products or does the homeowner supply them?
We can work either way. Many clients prefer to have us source the products so they don’t have to research brands and formulations. Others have a specific product or color they want used. Either approach works fine. If you’re not sure what to use, we’re happy to make a recommendation based on the surface type and the conditions it needs to hold up against.
Pressure Washing
Can pressure washing remove rust stains from concrete?
Pressure washing alone typically does not remove rust stains from concrete since rust bonds chemically with the surface. A rust-specific cleaning solution applied before pressure washing is usually needed to lift those stains effectively. We can assess the staining and let you know the best approach before we start the job.
How do I prepare my home before a pressure washing visit?
Close all windows and doors, move any outdoor furniture or decor away from the areas being cleaned, and let us know about any exterior outlets or fixtures that need extra care. If you have potted plants or garden beds close to the work area, moving them back a few feet helps protect them. We handle everything else from there.
Will pressure washing remove paint from my siding or deck?
On surfaces with loose, peeling, or failing paint, pressure washing can accelerate that process. On surfaces with a solid, well-adhered finish, properly controlled pressure washing will not remove paint. If you are planning to repaint or restain afterward, some paint removal during the wash is actually helpful since it removes the material that would have failed anyway.
How soon after pressure washing can I paint or stain a surface?
The surface needs to dry completely before any paint or stain is applied. Depending on the weather, temperature, and how porous the surface is, this typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Applying a finish too soon traps moisture under the coating and leads to bubbling, peeling, and premature failure. We factor drying time into our project planning whenever we’re doing both services.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing for house siding?
For most siding materials, soft washing is the safer and more effective choice. Soft washing uses lower pressure combined with cleaning solutions that break down mildew, algae, and grime at the surface level rather than blasting it off with force. High pressure on vinyl or older wood siding can force water behind the panels or damage the material. We use the right method for each surface rather than applying the same approach to everything.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to talk through anything you don’t see covered here. Big Horse Lawn Care serves homeowners throughout Clarksville, TN, Oak Grove, KY, Fort Campbell, and the surrounding area. Reach out anytime and we’ll get back to you quickly.
Contact our team or book an appointment online to get started.
Call or text: (931) 561-7228
Email: Bighorse.lawncare@gmail.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-1pm
