Lawn Care and Landscaping FAQ - LDK Lawn Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our lawn care and landscaping FAQ page! Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about maintaining a healthy, beautiful landscape in our region.

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General:

What areas do you serve?

We provide professional lawn care, landscaping, and irrigation services throughout Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area, including Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, and surrounding communities.

Do you work with residential or commercial properties?

Yes, we work with both residential and commercial properties throughout Johnson County and the Kansas City metro area. While our primary focus is on residential lawn and landscape care, we also service commercial properties that value a professional, dependable partnership, and consistently high-quality results.

How do I schedule service?

Click here for a free quote, call/text us at (913) 568-5013, or email us at Team@LDKLawnServices.com.

How do I pay for my lawn service?

We accept all major credit/debit cards. Payment arrangements are made during our scheduling process. We can accept cash, ACH, or checks during this time as well.

Do you require contracts or can I cancel anytime?

Our services are provided on a “per service” basis, no long-term contracts required. For your convenience, most services are set up on a recurring schedule by default, but you’re always free to pause, modify, or cancel anytime.

Is LDK Lawn Services licensed and insured?

Yes, LDK Lawn Services is fully licensed and insured. You can have peace of mind knowing that your property and our team are protected on every job we do.

What type of equipment do you use?

We proudly use professional-grade equipment from trusted manufacturers such as John Deere, Bobcat, Toro, Stihl, Ford, Hustler, Exmark, and Lesco. Using reliable, well-maintained equipment helps us work efficiently and deliver high-quality results on every job.

What does full service lawn care mean?

Full-service lawn care means we handle everything your lawn and landscape need to stay healthy and beautiful throughout the year. This includes mowing, trimming, edging, fertilization, weed control, aeration, overseeding, and seasonal cleanups. We also provide landscaping, hardscaping, mulch or rock installation, and irrigation services for complete property care.

Mowing:

When do you start/end the mowing season?

We begin mowing as soon as the grass starts growing, typically around mid-March in the Kansas City area. The first cut of the season is usually a bit shorter to clean up winter growth and prepare the lawn for spring.

The mowing season usually wraps up around Thanksgiving. During the final weeks, we gradually lower the mowing height, space out visits, and focus on mulching leaves to keep your yard clean and healthy heading into winter.

How often do you mow?

We typically mow once per week. During periods of heavy rain and rapid growth, especially in the spring, we increase mowing frequency to every four to six days to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best.

Do you offer bi-weekly mowing?

We don’t offer a recurring bi-weekly mowing schedule. Our mowing frequency is based on growth rates for healthy lawns in our area and is designed to keep your yard looking its best.

Do you offer one time or temporary mowing services?

Our specialty is regular, recurring mowing service, but we’re always happy to help with one-time or short-term needs. An additional fee per mow applies if fewer than three mowings are completed in a month.

Can I skip a mowing?

Yes, you can skip a mowing for any reason. We just ask that you let us know before your scheduled visit so we can adjust our route. If the grass is over 8 inches tall by your next service, a fee is added to cover the extra time and work needed to maintain proper cut quality.

What height do you mow at?

We typically mow at a height of 3-4 inches, which is ideal for Tall Fescue lawns in the Johnson County area. Our mowers have adjustable decks, allowing us to fine-tune the cutting height for each property to achieve the healthiest, best-looking results.

What if my yard is really tall?

If your grass is over 8 inches tall, we’ll take extra care to bring it back to the proper mowing height safely. Overgrown lawns often require additional time for multiple passes, trimming, and cleanup. We also disperse clumps to leave your yard looking clean and even. Because of this, an overgrown mowing fee is added to cover the extra work needed to restore the lawn to a healthy, well-maintained condition.

How is mowing billed?

Mowing is billed monthly. Your first mow is charged after that initial service. Afterward, we charge the card on file between the 1st and 5th of each month for the previous month’s mowings.

Fertilizer:

How often do you fertilize?

We perform seven fertilizer applications spread over six visits per year. The summer and grub applications are completed during the same visit. We also spot-spray for broadleaf weeds as needed with each visit.

Do you spray for crab grass, nutsedge, violets, or clover?

Yes, our fertilization program includes treatments for these common lawn weeds found throughout the Johnson County area. We apply both pre-emergent and post-emergent products to control crabgrass, and we spot-spray for broadleaf weeds like clover and violets during each visit as needed. Nutsedge is also treated as part of our regular weed control program when it appears.

In addition, we offer optional treatments to target less frequent issues such as armyworms and fungus, helping to keep your turf healthy and protected throughout the growing season.

Are your technicians licensed?

Yes, all of our technicians who apply fertilizer are licensed to treat lawns in Kansas and Missouri. They also receive ongoing training to stay current with industry standards and best practices. You can trust that every application is handled safely, professionally, and in full compliance with state regulations.

Irrigation:

How often should I water?

In Johnson County, most established lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. It’s best to water 2–3 times per week rather than daily, allowing the soil to dry a bit between cycles.

In extreme summer heat, watering may need to increase to 4–5 times per week, but always aim for deeper, slower applications rather than frequent light sprinklings.

Our irrigation technicians can help build a custom watering schedule tailored to your lawn’s layout, sprinkler head types, and local conditions to ensure even coverage and efficiency.

Do I need to be home to have my sprinkler system serviced?

No, you don’t need to be home during your sprinkler service. However, our technicians will need access to the sprinkler controller and the main shutoff valve, which are sometimes located inside the home or garage.

Why do you charge for a sprinkler consultation?

Our sprinkler consultations are a professional service performed by trained irrigation technicians. During the visit, we evaluate your system, identify issues, and provide expert recommendations or repairs. Charging a consultation fee means that each appointment receives the time, attention, and expertise needed to accurately diagnose and solve the problem.

When should I have my sprinkler system turned on for the year?

Sprinkler systems are typically turned on in the spring, once the risk of freezing temperatures has passed. In the Kansas City area, this is usually around late April or May. Starting your system too early can lead to frozen or damaged components if a late freeze occurs.

When should I have my sprinkler system winterized?

Sprinkler systems should be winterized before freezing temperatures arrive, typically in October or early November. This helps prevent damage to pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads caused by water freezing inside the system.

Do I need to have my system winterized if I have a gravity drain?

Yes, even systems with a gravity drain should be professionally winterized. Gravity drains don’t remove all the water from the lines, and any remaining water can freeze, expand, and damage pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads. A professional blowout helps make sure the system is cleared for winter.

Is there ever a time a sprinkler system can’t be winterized?

Yes, if there is damage to the system that prevents normal operation, it can’t be properly winterized. The system must be functional, and temperatures need to be above freezing so each zone can be cycled through during the blowout process.

What brand of sprinkler components do you work with?

We use high-quality Hunter components for sprinkler systems and Rachio smart controllers for automation and scheduling. Both brands are known for their reliability, efficiency, and industry-leading performance. This combination allows us to build irrigation systems that are durable, water-efficient, and easy to manage.

For existing systems, we also stock and service other common brands of heads, valves, and components, including Rain Bird, Irritrol, and Toro.

Aeration & Seeding:

When is the best time to aerate?

The best time to aerate cool-season lawns, like the Tall Fescue in our area, is in the fall, typically between September and October. This timing allows new grass roots to establish before winter and helps the lawn recover quickly. Aeration can also be done in the spring, but fall normally provides the best results.

How often should we aerate?

We recommend aerating every fall. Annual aeration helps reduce soil compaction, improve root growth, and enhance nutrient absorption. Lawns with heavy foot or paw traffic, or areas with a lot of clay will benefit from aerating in both spring and fall.

When is the best time of year to overseed?

The best time to overseed cool-season lawns, like Tall Fescue, is in the fall, typically between September and October. Warm soil, cooler temperatures, and increased rainfall create ideal conditions for seed to germinate and develop strong roots before the following summer.

Does my yard need to be overseeded?

Most lawns in the Johnson County area benefit from annual overseeding, especially if you notice thin or bare areas. Overseeding helps thicken the turf, improve color, and crowd out weeds. Even healthy lawns benefit from overseeding every year to maintain density and keep the grass vigorous and resilient.

What does the quote mean “to keep seed wet”?

Keeping the seed wet means keeping the top layer of soil consistently damp after overseeding. The seed should never dry out while it’s germinating. This usually means watering lightly several times throughout the day so the soil stays evenly damp. Once the new grass begins to grow, you can gradually reduce how often you water and switch to deeper, less frequent watering.

Should I aerate, dethatch, or verticut?

For most cool-season lawns, aeration is the best option. Aeration relieves soil compaction, improves root growth, and helps water and nutrients reach the soil more effectively. Dethatching or verticutting is typically recommended for lawns with warm-season grasses, or when there is a heavy layer of thatch buildup.

When to sliceseed vs overseed?

Slice seeding is best for areas with bare soil. The machine cuts small grooves in the soil and places seed directly into them, which provides excellent seed-to-soil contact and faster germination.

Overseeding is ideal for established lawns that are mostly healthy but need thickening or filling in bare spots. It’s less aggressive and helps maintain lawn density from year to year.

For the best results, slice seed bare areas and overseed the rest of the lawn during the fall season.

Do you recommend sod or seed?

Both options can produce a healthy lawn, but the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and timing. Seed is the most cost-effective option and works well for filling small gaps or problem areas. It grows best in the fall but can also be successful in spring. Sod provides an instant lawn and helps control erosion right away. It can be installed year-round as long as it’s watered adequately for the conditions.

What type of seed do you use?

We use a premium, certified Blue Label tall fescue blend selected specifically for the Kansas City climate. It provides excellent color, density, and drought tolerance while resisting common lawn diseases. Our seed is lab tested for purity and quality to ensure the best possible results for your lawn.

I already have seed, can you use that for my yard?

We do not spread customer-provided seed. To prevent contamination between properties, we only use our own certified Blue Label seed in our equipment. Our seed is tested for purity and guaranteed to be weed-free, ensuring the highest quality results for your lawn.

Leaf Removal:

How often do you recommend leaf removal?

Most properties in the Johnson County area benefit from two to three leaf cleanups each season, since different trees drop their leaves at different times. Regular removal helps prevent leaves from matting down and damaging the grass, keeps your lawn healthier through the winter, and leaves your property clean and well-maintained.

Do you recommend mulching leaves?

Yes, we recommend continuing to mow regularly during the fall. Mulching helps return organic matter and nutrients to the soil, promoting a healthier lawn. However, it’s important to remove leaves once they begin to build up and can no longer be effectively mulched into the turf.

How does your leaf removal service work?

We collect and remove leaves from your lawn, landscape beds, and paved surfaces using commercial-grade blowers, rakes, and vacuum systems. Our crews work carefully to remove debris while minimizing impact on the turf. Once gathered, the leaves are hauled away and properly disposed of.

Do you offer curbside leaf removal services?

Yes, we do. For customers who prefer to move their leaves to the curb themselves, we offer curbside leaf vacuuming. Our crew will come by to vacuum and remove the leaf pile, leaving your curb clear without you having to handle the hauling or disposal.

Do you offer one time or recurring leaf removals?

Our leaf removal services are priced on a per-visit basis, and we’re happy to schedule multiple cleanups throughout the season based on your preferred time frames.

How are leaf removals scheduled?

During the quote process, we’ll discuss your specific needs, whether you’d like a one-time cleanup, scheduled visits throughout the season, or anything in between. Our goal is to find a schedule that fits your property, tree types, and preferred timing to keep your lawn clean and well-maintained into the new year.

Landscaping:

Can you help with drainage or grading issues?

Yes, we can help diagnose and correct drainage and grading issues. Our team designs practical solutions to move water away from foundations, low spots, and problem areas in your yard. Depending on your property, this may include regrading, installing drain tile, French drains, or catch basins to promote proper water flow.

Do you offer a warranty on plants?

Yes, we offer an optional one-year warranty on plants and the labor to install them. The warranty must be purchased at the same time the plants are installed.

Do you install mulch or rock?

Yes, we install both mulch and decorative rock for landscape beds. We offer several options of color and material to match your taste and maintenance needs. Our team can handle full bed preparation, installation, and cleanup so everything is left neat and professional.

Should I use mulch or rock?

Both have benefits depending on your goals. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil health as it breaks down, making it great for plant-heavy beds. Rock provides a clean, long-lasting look that requires less maintenance and works well in areas with minimal planting. Our team can help you choose the best option for your landscape and budget.

How often should new mulch be put down?

Mulch should typically be refreshed once a year, usually in the spring. Over time, mulch breaks down and loses its color and effectiveness. Adding a new layer each year helps maintain a clean appearance, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

How deep should mulch be applied?

Mulch should be applied at a depth of two to three inches. This provides enough coverage to hold moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds without smothering plants or blocking water from reaching the roots. The first time mulch is applied, a deeper layer is recommended. After that, adding one to two inches each year helps maintain coverage without allowing buildup.

Snow Removal:

Do you provide snow removal services based on a specific trigger amount of snow?

No, we don’t use a specific snow trigger. Our team responds to any legitimate snow or ice threats as they occur. Since ice and freezing rain are common in our area, we monitor conditions closely and typically pretreat when there’s a legitimate chance of winter weather in the forecast.

How do your snow removal services work?

We provide snow removal for both residential and commercial properties, covering everything from driveways and sidewalks to parking lots. Our team closely monitors winter weather conditions throughout the season to keep your property cleared and maintained during every snow or ice event.

Can I sign up for just this upcoming storm?

Yes, you can. Our snow services are set up as recurring by default to maintain your property during each snow event. If you only want service for a single storm, or wish to end service at a specific time, just let us know when you’d like to stop, and we’ll make the adjustment.

Is using deicer optional?

No, deicer is included with our snow services to prevent refreezing after plowing and to address freezing rain and sleet. Applying deicer helps keep driveways, sidewalks, and parking areas safer for both foot and vehicle traffic. During freezing rain or icing events, which are common in the Kansas City area, it is often the only effective way to keep the property safe and accessible.