Company aims for golf course–green lawns

The constant struggle to maintain a healthy, green lawn can be the bane of a Central Texan's existence. And once soaring temperatures arrive, droughts and water shortages often plague the region, but Yard Genesis owner Chris Stege aims to reverse those woes.

Stege opened Yard Genesis seven years ago, combining his degree in turf management and work experience at golf courses and baseball parks to launch the only service of its kind in Central Texas, he claims.

"I took the same techniques and procedures that we would do on golf courses and ballparks and provide that for residential and commercial customers," Stege said.

Though based in Leander, Stege, a Cedar Park resident, caters to residential and commercial properties throughout Central Texas, extending as far as San Antonio. Some of his work includes residences in the Crystal Falls and Mayfield Ranch subdivisions, and he is in the process of working with Leander ISD to regenerate its sports fields.

While other companies focus on maintenance, Stege zeroes in on what he believes are the two most important components of attaining a healthy lawn: aeration and top dressing.

He tackles the root of the problem by using an original and organic turkey compost mixture as well as other soils and sand to level out lawns.

Stege then uses an aerator that pokes small, evenly spaced holes in the ground to allow for oxygen to flow to roots and for the new soil to mix with existing soil. The resulting reverse compaction fosters a healthy root system, leading to proper drainage and root growth.

Their peak season occurs from November to May, when Stege said temperatures are most favorable for lawn regeneration.

Ninety percent of his customers are repeat customers, he said, who experience the benefits of his service each year.

With regular watering and mowing, customers will notice a greener lawn with fewer weeds and a decreased need for synthetic fertilizers, but the process will take a few years, he said.

"You'll probably have to mow more, but that's a good thing," Stege said. "A lawn truly makes a home."

Yard Genesis, 11892 W. Old FM 2243, Leander, www.yardgenesis.com, 512-709-1230,Twitter: @yardgenesis