Treat Your Lawn With Care
Since 1975, Tree ‘N Turf Service, Inc. has provided immaculate lawn and tree care services to those in and around West Central, MN. We carefully and professionally handle any outdoor project from fertilizer and crabgrass control to lawn mowing and lawn aeration. Our team has the dedication and expertise to boost your curb appeal with excellent lawn and tree maintenance in the following services:
Turf Services for Healthier Lawns
Tree ‘N Turf Service provides complete turf services including lawn fertilization, aeration, mowing, and insect control. Our turf care programs are designed to improve soil health and encourage thicker, greener grass for residential and commercial properties throughout the Willmar area. Regular fertilization and professional turf maintenance help prevent weeds, strengthen roots, and keep your lawn looking its best.
Who Are We?
Tree ‘N Turf Service, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company setting the standard for lawn care since 1975 throughout West Central Minnesota. We take pride in providing you with all of your lawn care needs. All of our applicators are trained to calibrate their equipment to their natural walking pace and ensure the proper amount of solution is applied. Our technicians are trained and licensed with the state of Minnesota to provide you with professional and knowledgeable service. Contact us at 320-796-0507.
Guy Mayhew, CEO
Guy brings 30 years of experience and knowledge with every service we offer. He was raised in the New London Spicer area and has been a large part of the community. He has spent 14 of those years in the field as a lawn care applicator and for the past 13, as lawn care manager. He manages and maintains every aspect of Tree ‘N Turf Service, Inc. He has broad knowledge and extensive training in lawn and tree care, and is eager and available to help you with all your lawn care needs.
Join Our Team
If you have the skill and detail-oriented work ethic that our team possesses, please consider joining our team. We are a company filled with dedication and passion for maintaining spotless lawns and providing excellent tree care. We will again be looking to hire applicators and mowing techs for the upcoming season. Our office staff would be happy to talk with you about future employment and any concerns you may have.
Words From Our Customers
— Gandalf T.
“My folks on Eagle Lake have had nothing but great service from them for MANY years. After talking with the owner he made personally that their home was done again with care. After my father has been fighting cancer they again treated us fair and quick due to the amount of rain they have had this year. I would say they are a ten plus when it comes to customer service. Dwaine Walthers and family.” – Corey W.
“Tree N Turf is so great. They are so fast but get the job done right. Amy is the sweetest person alive and is so great to talk to. Guy is always on the ball and runs a great business.” – Brittany J.
FAQs
Spring
What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control?
Pre-emergent helps prevent certain weeds, such as crabgrass, from becoming established. Post-emergent treats weeds already growing. Neither controls every kind of weed.
Can I seed and apply crabgrass preventer at the same time?
Most crabgrass preventers interfere with new lawn grass establishment. Let us know before seeding so the treatments can be coordinated.
Should I rake as soon as the snow melts?
Wait until the soil is firm and reasonably dry. Gently remove debris and loosen matted grass. Aggressive raking on wet ground can damage the lawn.
Why do dandelions keep coming back?
Seeds can blow in from nearby areas, and established plants can regrow from roots left behind. Treating weeds helps, but thicker grass also reduces opportunities for new weeds.
Does more fertilizer mean a better lawn?
No. Extra fertilizer can cause excessive growth, increase mowing, and contribute to injury or nutrient runoff. Apply what the lawn needs based on its grass type and maintenance plan.
Should I apply lime every year?
Only if a soil test recommends it. Lime changes soil pH; it is not a routine treatment every Minnesota lawn needs.
Will fertilizer fill all my bare spots?
Fertilizer can help healthy grass grow, but cannot replace dead grass or correct every underlying problem. Bare areas may need seed, soil preparation, or changes to watering and traffic.
Summer: Mowing, Watering, and Stress
How high should I mow?
Keep most Minnesota cool-season lawns around 3–3½ inches. During summer heat, 3½–4 inches may be appropriate. Taller grass shades the soil and helps the lawn handle dry weather.
What is the best time of day to mow?
Mow when grass is dry and the ground is firm. Late morning after dew dries or a cooler late afternoon often works well. Avoid mowing drought-stressed grass that is barely growing.
How much should I water?
About 1 inch per week, including rainfall, is a useful starting point for actively growing lawns—not a fixed requirement. Adjust for weather, soil, and grass type. Water early in the morning and adjust after rainfall.
Should I bag grass clippings?
Usually leave short, evenly spread clippings; they return nutrients to the soil. Remove or spread out heavy clumps that could smother grass.
Does brown grass mean I have grubs?
No. Heat, drought, poor sprinkler coverage, disease, and grubs can all cause brown areas. Inspect roots and soil before choosing a treatment.
Why does my lawn look brown right after mowing?
Cutting too short can expose brown stems and scalp uneven areas. Dull blades can also leave shredded tips that turn brown. Check cutting height and blade sharpness first.
Should we change mowing directions?
Yes. Changing directions encourages upright growth and helps reduce repeated wear, compaction, and scalping along the same route.
What if grass gets too tall between mowings?
Raise the mower for the first cut and bring the height down gradually over later mowings. Avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at once.
Can I mow wet grass?
It is better to wait until it dries. Wet clippings can clump and smother grass, and soft ground is more vulnerable to equipment damage.
Why do weeds keep appearing even though my lawn is treated?
Different weeds emerge at different times, and treatments have limits. Thin grass, exposed soil, and stress give weeds opportunities. Weed control works best alongside proper mowing and lawn repair.
Why does one part of my lawn dry out faster?
Soil, sunlight, slopes, and sprinkler coverage can vary within the same yard. Check the dry area before increasing watering across the entire lawn.
Should sandy soil and clay soil be watered the same way?
No. Sandy soil holds less water and may need smaller amounts more often. Clay soil holds moisture longer but absorbs water more slowly; watering may need pauses to prevent runoff.
Can I overwater my lawn?
Yes. Too much water can saturate soil, limit air around roots, and encourage disease. More water is not always the answer to struggling grass.
My sprinkler runs every day. Why are there still dry spots?
Runtime does not guarantee even coverage. Check for blocked, misaligned, or poorly spaced sprinklers. Place catch cans in green and dry areas to compare how much water reaches them.
Should new seed be watered like an established lawn?
No. New seed needs the surface kept moist with light, frequent watering. Established grass generally benefits from deeper watering with drying time between applications.
Fall: Seeding, Aeration, and Weed Management
When is the best time to seed?
Mid-August through mid-September is generally a strong window in central Minnesota. New grass needs consistent moisture and enough time to establish before winter.
What does core aeration do?
It removes small plugs of soil, helping relieve compaction and allowing air and water to move into the root zone. Late summer and fall are usually good times while grass is growing.
Does every lawn need annual aeration?
Yes, we feel every lawn benefits from an annual aeration.
Can I mulch leaves instead of bagging them?
Yes, if they chop into small pieces and grass remains visible through them. Remove heavy layers or wet mats that cover the lawn.
Should I buy the cheapest grass seed?
Read the label before choosing. Look for suitable species, Minnesota-adapted varieties, and low weed-seed content. Some bags contain substantial coating or filler, so compare the actual seed you are buying.
Is grass that sprouts fastest always best?
No. Fast germination provides early cover, but winter survival, drought tolerance, sunlight, and long-term durability matter too. Choose seed for the property, not just how quickly it turns green.
Can shade seed fix a lawn that keeps thinning?
Sometimes, but even shade-tolerant grass needs enough light. Compaction, poor drainage, and competing roots may also be involved. Find the reason for thinning before buying more seed.
Will one overseeding make my lawn completely thick?
Overseeding is a step toward improvement. Results depend on seed reaching soil, consistent moisture, suitable weather, and correcting whatever caused the lawn to thin.
Can I seed after the usual fall planting window?
Dormant seeding is an option once conditions are consistently too cold for germination. Seed waits until spring, when it still needs moisture. Most spring crabgrass preventers can interfere with those seedlings.
Will crabgrass survive a Minnesota winter?
The plant dies with frost, but its seeds can survive and produce new plants the following year. Fall lawn repair and properly timed spring prevention help reduce its return.
Is every coarse, wide-bladed grass crabgrass?
No. Some are perennial grasses requiring a different approach. Identify the grass first; crabgrass preventer will not remove an established perennial grassy weed.
Why does crabgrass appear beside my driveway?
Lawn grass often struggles along pavement edges, leaving openings for crabgrass. Improving grass coverage and avoiding scalping those edges helps alongside weed prevention.
Can I seed right after spraying weeds?
It depends on the product. Some herbicides require a waiting period before seeding.
Winter
Can sidewalk salt damage my lawn?
Yes. Salt can injure grass beside sidewalks and driveways. Clear snow first, use only the amount of deicer needed for conditions, and keep excess material off the lawn.
Why are there little trails after snow melts?
Voles may have fed on grass beneath the snow. Many surface-damaged areas recover in spring. Inspect for new growth before deciding to reseed.
Common Lawn Mysteries
Do mushrooms mean my lawn is diseased?
Usually not. Most lawn mushrooms come from fungi breaking down organic material in soil. They often appear after rain or excessive watering.
Why do mushrooms disappear and come back?
Mushrooms are only the visible part. The fungus remains below ground and may produce more mushrooms when moisture and weather become favorable.
What causes a dark green circle in my lawn?
It may be a fairy ring. Soil fungi release nutrients as they break down organic matter, sometimes creating greener grass or mushrooms in a ring. If grass within the ring is dying, request an inspection.
Is moss killing my grass?
Usually moss fills space where grass already struggles. Shade, moisture, compaction, or unsuitable soil conditions may be involved. Removing moss alone will not correct those conditions.
Does moss mean my lawn needs lime?
No. Moss alone does not tell us soil pH. Use a soil test before recommending lime.
Can dog urine cause brown spots with green edges?
Yes. Concentrated urine can injure grass in the center while surrounding grass grows greener. Other problems can look similar; check the pattern and where the dog regularly urinates.
After a Lawn Treatment
Should I water after every treatment?
Follow that visit’s instructions. Some treatments need watering into the soil; others need time on leaves before rain or irrigation. There is no single watering rule for every treatment.
When can children and pets return?
Following the application we ask that you stay off from the area until dry to the touch.
Should I mow before or after weed treatment?
Mowing before does not really have an effect on the treatment. But we do ask that you wait at 24 hours after the application, this give time for the products to be absorbed for best results.
Why do you ask questions before recommending a treatment?
Similar-looking problems can have different causes. Your answers help us choose work that addresses the problem and avoids unnecessary treatments.
What Customers Can Expect
Why not recommend the same treatment for every lawn?
Sunlight, soil, watering, grass type, and history affect what a lawn needs. The best treatment starts with finding the cause of the problem and the desires of the customer.
Will killing weeds automatically leave a thick lawn?
No. Removing weeds may expose bare soil where little grass was growing. Those areas may need overseeding and correction of the conditions that allowed weeds to take over.
Why does the same bare spot keep returning?
Repeated failure suggests an ongoing cause, such as shade, compaction, drainage, traffic, or poor watering coverage. Correct the cause before expecting seed to provide a lasting repair.
Can treatments make up for poor mowing or watering?
Treatments help, but daily care strongly affects results. Correct mowing, suitable watering, and properly timed treatments work together to build a healthier lawn.
Grass Selection and Drought
What is a cool-season lawn?
A lawn made from grasses that grow most strongly during cooler spring and fall weather. Common Minnesota lawn grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, turf-type tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. Growth often slows during summer heat.
Which grass is best for a lawn without irrigation?
Fine fescues and suitable turf-type tall fescues are worth considering. Fine fescues generally need less water, while tall fescue has deeper roots that can reach more moisture. Choose varieties suited to Minnesota and your property’s sunlight, soil, and traffic. New grass still needs establishment water.
Is brown grass always dead?
No. Grass may turn brown during drought while remaining alive at its base. Some lawns recover when moisture and cooler weather return, but prolonged drought can cause lasting damage. Inspect for recovery before deciding to reseed.
Grub Prevention and Treatment
What is preventive versus rescue grub control?
Preventive treatment targets young grubs before substantial damage occurs. Rescue treatment targets grubs already feeding. The products and timing differ, and neither treatment immediately repairs damaged grass.
Does every lawn need grub treatment every year?
No. Recent confirmed grub damage, inspection findings, and site conditions help determine whether treatment is justified. Finding a few grubs does not automatically mean the lawn needs treatment.
When is the best time to prevent grub damage?
Timing depends on the grub species and product. For Japanese beetle grubs, June or early July is a common Minnesota prevention window, although some products need earlier application. Plan ahead rather than waiting for brown patches.
Can we still treat grubs after fall damage appears?
Sometimes. Smaller, actively feeding grubs are easier to control. Large grubs may be harder to kill, and treatment becomes ineffective once they stop feeding and move deeper for winter. Inspect first to determine whether treatment can still help.
Fall Feeding and the Final Mowing
Should my lawn receive fall fertilizer?
Fall is an important feeding period for cool-season lawns, but the amount depends on grass type, previous applications, and lawn condition. A bag labeled “winterizer” is not automatically the right choice.
Does my lawn need fertilizer containing phosphorus?
Most established Minnesota lawns should receive phosphorus-free fertilizer unless a soil or tissue test shows a need. New lawn establishment by seed or sod is an exception. Your lawn provider should confirm whether the planned application qualifies and use recommended rates.
When should I stop mowing, and how short should the final cut be?
Keep mowing while grass is growing and ground conditions allow. For many conventional lawns, a final height around 2½–3 inches is practical. Avoid leaving excessive growth that mats down, and do not scalp the lawn below 2 inches.
Licensing
Does the person or company need a state license to apply fertilizer or pesticides in Minnesota?
Yes. In Minnesota, any company or individual performing lawn care, weed control, tree spraying, or fertilizer application for hire must carry two state licenses:
- Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (MDA)
Required for any pesticide application for hire, including:
- Weed control (2,4D, Trimec, SpeedZone, etc.)
- Insecticides (emerald ash borer, bagworm, etc.)
- Fungicides
- Plant growth regulators
- Tree injections
This is issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and requires passing the Core exam plus category exams (Turf, Ornamental, etc.).
- Fertilizer License (MDA Fertilizer Registration / Company License)
Required for any company applying fertilizer for hire, including:
- Granular fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer
- Fertilizer + herbicide blends
- Impregnated fertilizer (fertilizer coated with herbicide)
Minnesota law requires the company to hold a fertilizer license if you apply or distribute fertilizer commercially.
Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
