Should my fertilizer company gets rid of my lawn crab grass?

Question

I have paid this fertilizer company fertilising my lawn this year several times a year including "weed control". I just received a call from this company saying that my lawn has crab grass and it will cost me $110 to get rid of the weed because, in their view, crab grass is not a lawn weed.

However, I just read from the governement and a from a lawn fertilizer company saying that crab grass is a weed.

http://www.vigoro.ca/crabgrass.php

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/weedgal.htm

But, my wife said I got it wrong because I should call several local lawn care companies to see if their annual lawn care contract with "weed control" includes get rid of crab grass as well. In her view, that is the "industry standard" whether "weed control" should or should not cover crab grass, and I am wrong to go after the definition of weed.

Is my wife right, or am I right, in a court of law?

Do I have a case to discuss further with my lawn company?

Answer 1

It doesn't matter what the definition of "weed" is here (some people think "weed" is something you smoke), but what the contract says.  If your contract says that eradicating crab grass will cost more, then they have the right to charge you.  That's just how businessmen operate:  there will always be exceptions.

But I also think that is cowscat. I think this is their way of getting more money out of you.  Do you really have crab grass?  Did you check your lawn?

Use a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring to get rid of the viable seeds.

But, to be honest, I'd fire your landscaper and get one that does the job right the first time.  If you are paying to fertilize and de-weed your lawn, you expect a quality job.  Make sure you read the contract completely.

Answer 2

A weed is defined as "any unwanted plant" and therefore is determined so by the homeowner.  If the homeowner views it as a weed, than it must be controlled by the landscaper.  

To add, most landscape companies use "weed n feed" or "weed-b-gon"  types of post-emergent applications.  They are basically only controlling (or trying to control) the broadleaf types of weeds (daisies, clover, dandelions, etc.).   If they do a poor job of this (and don't set the irrigation to "rain" following an application) they will tell you they need to "re-apply".  Most are idiots.

What they should be doing is preventing weeds by using products (pre-emergents) that prevent infestations for up to 6 months.  Thes landscapers are the ones that are polluting our groundwater with 2,4d, and other products through their mismanagement.  

Bottom line:  If you had a reputable landscape maintenance company, they would've told you BEFOREhand that they provide a service to prevent this weed from germinating in the first place (at a lesser expense to the homeowner than season-long chemical applications.

Scotts Fertlizer plus Crabgrass Preventer

Dimension Fertilizer plus Crabgrass Preventer

Once crabgrass germinates and flushes, it's very hard to control.  You're almost better off focusing your attention on next season's preventive measures.  Again, Scotts Crabgrass Preventer.

1st Application May 1st

2nd Application June1st

Ask the company if they are licensed by the state to use chemicals.  Every company must qualify an individual who is licensed and trained in pesticides and proper use, storage, and application.   Sounds like these guys are giving you the run-around and aren't worthy of your business.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I have always used Scotts Fertilizer with crab grass preventor.

Crab Grass is a weed.

I would get rid of these guys and find someone else........make sure you tell them that you are going to find another company to deal with because you just assume that your crab grass was being taken care of in the first place......If you have it already growing, it will be hard to get rid of it now.

Answer 4

What they probably mean is that "There's no lawn chemical that can kill crabgrass without killing the surrounding grass, so therefore crabgrass is not covered."

Check the contract or receipt that you should have been given - it likely specifies that exception.  

Answer 5

Yes it is a grass, but if you paid this company and they put down a preemergent in the spring then you got them and they should kill it. I would have a friend call the company and get a written quote stating preemergent that prevents crab grass and head to small claims and report them to the BBB. Remember get everything in writing.  

Make sure its not nutsedge/nutgrass that some people think is crab grass. If it is then use Sedgedhammer to kill it. You can identify nutgrass at this link.  http://ipm.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/cyp...

Answer 6

these companies are a dime a dozen.you can find you another that is  easier to deal with.

No one likes to get sidelined like that.