Question 1

How often should my lawn be mowed in Schenectady?

Accepted Answer

From early May through mid-September, weekly mowing produces the best results in our area. Cool-season grasses grow most aggressively in May/June and again in September. Bi-weekly is acceptable in July and August during heat-dormancy, but you'll lose some thickness over time.

Question 2

What height should grass be cut at?

Accepted Answer

We mow at 3.0 to 3.5 inches almost year-round. Cornell Cooperative Extension and most turf research support the 'one-third rule' — never remove more than a third of the leaf blade in a single cut. Taller grass shades soil, suppresses weeds, and grows deeper roots.

Question 3

When should I start lawn care for the year?

Accepted Answer

Round 1 of our 4-step program goes down once soil temperature reaches a sustained 50–55°F at 4 inches deep — typically the first or second week of April in Schenectady, but it varies by year. We watch soil temps, not the calendar.

Question 4

Do you use organic products?

Accepted Answer

We offer a hybrid program that uses organic-based slow-release fertilizers and spot-treats weeds only where needed, instead of blanket spraying. A fully organic program is also available — it's about 35% more expensive and results take 1–2 seasons to match conventional, but it's better for pollinators and pets.

Question 5

Is your crew licensed to apply pesticides in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PumMail holds NY State pesticide business registration #18-LSC-2014, and our applicators carry Commercial Pesticide Applicator certifications in categories 3A and 3B. We follow the NY Neighbor Notification Law and post all required signs after applications.

Question 6

Will you guarantee my lawn?

Accepted Answer

We guarantee our work, not the weather. If a treatment fails — a weed comes back within the labeled re-application window, or fertilizer burns the lawn — we'll re-treat at no charge. We can't guarantee against drought damage, scalping from a homeowner mowing too short, or pet urine spots.

Question 7

Do you provide free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Always. There's no charge for an on-site walk-through and written estimate. Most quotes are returned within 48 hours; landscape design plans take 7–10 business days.

Question 8

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — $2,000,000 in general liability plus full New York workers' compensation. We're happy to add your homeowner's insurance company as a certificate holder before work begins.

Question 9

Do I need to be home for service?

Accepted Answer

Not for routine mowing or fertilizer applications. We'll need access to a side or back gate. For initial walk-throughs, design consultations, or hardscape installs, having you on-site for 30 minutes is helpful.

Question 10

What's your weather policy?

Accepted Answer

We mow in light rain. We don't mow when the lawn is saturated (it tears the turf). We don't apply granular products when heavy rain is in the next 4 hours, and we don't spray liquid weed control above 85°F. Delays are communicated by text the morning of.

Question 11

How does snow removal pricing work?

Accepted Answer

We sell seasonal contracts (Dec 1 – Mar 31) with unlimited service triggered automatically at 2 inches of accumulation. Most ¼-acre driveways are $480 for the season, including walkway shoveling and salt or calcium chloride.

Question 12

Can I add bagging to my mowing service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for an extra fee per visit (typically $8–$15 depending on lot size). We don't bag by default — mulched clippings return nitrogen to the lawn and significantly reduce annual fertilizer needs. We'll bag wet/heavy clippings or after extended growth automatically.

Question 13

Do you do leaf removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We mulch leaves into the lawn during routine mowing through October when volumes are light. Once leaves overwhelm that approach, we offer dedicated cleanup visits — typically 1–3 per fall depending on tree cover. Tarped and hauled off-site.

Question 14

When is the best time to overseed?

Accepted Answer

Late August through mid-September. Soil is still warm enough for fast germination, air temperatures are cooling, and weed pressure is down. Spring overseeding works but competes with crabgrass pre-emergent — we don't recommend it unless you're doing a full renovation.

Question 15

Do you install irrigation systems?

Accepted Answer

We service existing systems (start-ups, blow-outs, head replacements, smart-controller upgrades) and we partner with two licensed irrigation installers in the Capital Region for new installs. One call, one invoice.

Question 16

What kind of mulch do you use?

Accepted Answer

Triple-shredded hardwood mulch from a regional supplier. We don't recommend dyed black mulch — the dye fades within a season and the wood underneath is often pallet scrap. Pine bark and pine straw are available on request for foundation beds with acid-loving plants.

Question 17

Can you handle slopes and drainage issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and install dry creek beds, French drains, regrading, and segmental retaining walls. About 30% of our hardscape work in any given year is solving water problems someone else didn't.

Question 18

Do you offer commercial service?

Accepted Answer

Light commercial only — small office buildings, HOA common areas, churches, and a few private school campuses. We turn down work we can't service consistently with our existing crew.

Question 19

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Annual contracts can be cancelled with 30 days written notice. We'll prorate the unused portion and refund within 14 days. No early-termination fees, ever.

Question 20

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Monthly invoices via email, payable by ACH (no fee), credit card (3% fee), or check. Snow contracts are paid in two installments — November and February.

Question 21

Do you sell gift certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — popular for housewarmings and parents whose kids want to do something useful. Available in $50 increments. Email us to arrange.

Twenty-one questions Capital Region homeowners ask us most.