Show #107 - Lawn Care Secrets: Seed Tags, Watering Rules & Fall Planting Tips

Why Seed Tags Matter – Quality Over Quantity

• Always check the seed tag on lawn company bags.
• Look for 99% seed purity, not 48% or 7.3%.
• No tall fescue seed in shade areas — it won’t grow.
• Premium seed is actually up to 70% cheaper long-term.
• At Betty’s, grass seed reaches 99.46% purity — the best varieties in America.

Watering: The Foundation of Lawn Success

• Lawns must get 1” of water per week before fertilizing, seeding, or aerating.
• Use a rain gauge or tuna can to measure water accurately.
• Never mow, walk on, or aerate a dry lawn — it damages crowns and roots.
• Cutting into dry roots during aeration kills them permanently.
• Water deeply and consistently to prepare your lawn for treatments.

Lawn Services: What to Expect (and Where to Step In)

• Most companies provide average performance contracts, not custom care.
• Core aeration should be done with three passes, not one.
• Seeding should cover up to 13 seeds per square inch in open areas.
• Fertilizing, liming, and seeding are often done at very low levels.
• Inspect after service:
  • Sweep/blow product off the driveway onto the lawn.
  • Check edges and shady areas — they’re often under-seeded.
• Smaller companies usually deliver more detailed results.

The Soil Secret: McGill’s Soil Builder is Back

• Betty’s combines the best soil, seed, and fertilizer in America.
• McGill’s Soil Builder is finally back this fall:
  • 40lb, 1 cubic foot bags – $7.99
  • 1 cubic yard bulk – $60.00
• Known for its farm smell (gone in 4 days), it supercharges lawn growth.
• Paired with Greenview Grass Seed Success, it ensures new seed thrives.
• Think of it like ice cream needing a freezer — seed needs good soil to grow.

Fall Planting at Betty’s – Azaleas, Roses & More

• Azaleas:
  • Encore 3-gallon $30.50 (was $54.99)
  • Bloom-a-thon $33.05 flowering
  • Once-blooming azaleas $34.95 (buy 2, get 1 free)
• Bolero Roses: 20% off, most fragrant and heat-loving.
• Pugster Butterfly Bush: 3-gallon $49.95 in blue or amethyst.
• Emerald Green Arborvitae & Skinny Skips Cherry Laurel – ideal evergreens.
• Brandywine Maples: 35’ tall, at maturity, seedless.

10 Great Plants to Add This Fall – Low Maintenance Plus Clean Proof

• Goshiki Osmanthus
• Japanese Maples: Twombley’s Sensation, Twombley’s Sentinel, Red Dragon Lace Leaf, Coral Bark
• Styrax Japonica – fragrant, pest- and disease-free
• Marley’s Pink – #1 $49.95, #3 $79.95
• Redbud – Ruby Falls & Carillon Weeping
• Persimmon & Red Kousa Scarlet Fire
• Zelkova – narrow, serrated leaves, exfoliating bark
• Crepe Myrtle ‘Miss Frances’ – dynamite red blooms
• Hydrangea Tree – Summer Crush & Endless Summer
• Sarcocca (Sweet Box) – evergreen, fragrant
• Japanese Golden Forest Grass
• Katsura Tree ‘Glowing Hearts

Final Thoughts

• Great lawns require the right seed, soil, fertilizer, and water.
• Check seed tags for purity.
• Water correctly and consistently.
• Supplement lawn services for best results.

At Betty’s, we keep it simple: the best soil, best seed, and best fertilizer.