Skip says the Florida Panhandle is one of the most difficult places in the country to keep a lawn healthy. “We have poor soil that has little nutrition or moisture holding capabilities and a climate that is favorable to a number of pests and diseases that attack turf grass. You must be very pro-active with caring for your lawn or it will naturally just decline. Mother Nature never intended for turf grass to be grown in our region. So, if you are going to remove all the pine trees, scrub oaks and palmettos from a building lot and replace them with sod, you are going to have to continually work to keep the grass healthy and viable.”

All the information in his book comes from personal experience working in the lawn care industry and dealing directly with troubled lawns in this area over the last 30 years. It’s very practical information about things home owners should and should not do to their lawn and why.

In the book, Skip addresses many concerns and frustrations commonly expressed by home owners trying to keep their lawn healthy. “I talk about how to recognize specific pests and diseases, the proper way to water your lawn, the different types of turf grasses used in Florida and a lot more.”
Skip says that the belief that grass eventually wears out and must be replaced every so many years is not necessarily true. “If a lawn is maintained properly, it should last indefinitely. However, proper maintenance not only includes things like watering and chemical treatments; it also includes periodic mechanical maintenance such as dethatching, aeration and top dressing which I also discuss in my book.”

Skip feels one of the most important issues he addresses in the book is how to gauge a healthy lawn. He says we have been given unrealistic expectations about our lawns through the marketing efforts of fertilizer companies. “One of the biggest problems I see is well-meaning home owners who end up destroying their lawn by over maintaining it with too much water and fertilizer. Proper watering plays a big part in keeping a lawn healthy. Proper watering involves the correct amount of water applied at the right frequency and time of day.” Skip also says that most commercial fertilizers are not formulated for our soil here along the Emerald Coast and applying the wrong fertilizer can do more harm than good over time.

If you would like a copy of “What Every Home Owner On The Emerald Coast Needs To Know About Lawn Care,” Skip is offering a free copy of his book to all who ask for one. You can request a free copy of “What Every Home Owner on the Emerald Coast Needs to Know About Lawn Care” at www.fatherandsonlandscape.com.

Father and Son Pest and Lawn Solutions also offers FREE LAWN CONSULTATIONS to home owners struggling to keep their lawn healthy. Call or text 850-240-7935 for an appointment or visit www.fatherandsonlandscape.com for more information.

YOUR LAWN HAS LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT OVER THE WINTER
Skip says the first thing to realize is the condition of your lawn in the early spring is not the same as it was last fall when it went dormant. “Over the winter the lawn sheds up to 50 percent of its root mass along with about as much grass blades and runners. A lot of people begin to panic when they start to see their lawn come out of dormancy in the spring and realize it’s not as dense and lush as it was last year.”

Skip encourages home owners not to be anxious at the state of their lawn in early spring but to give it time to regain the root structure and top growth that it lost over the winter. He also states how temperature plays a significant part in how fast the grass starts growing. “Grass really does not start growing until the temperatures get into the mid 80s. Some years this happens sooner than others. This year we have had an exceptionally cool spring which has retarded the growth of the grass.”

THE TWO MOST COMMON FERTILIZER MISTAKES
According to Skip, the two most common mistakes people make when fertilizing their lawns in the spring are applying fertilizer too early and applying the wrong kind of fertilizer. “In order for the grass to get the maximum benefit from fertilizer, temperatures need to be in the mid to high 80s, otherwise most of the applied nutrients get washed down past the root zone before the grass ever has a chance to absorb them. Fertilizing in early spring while temperatures are still cool is like dumping more than half the bag of fertilizer down the drain because the grass is just unable to take it up.”

According to Skip, not only do you end up wasting money by applying fertilizer too early but there are a number of other disadvantages: Unabsorbed fertilizer runs off into nearby bodies of water and ground water causing pollution and fertilizing too early can also promote disease activity or chlorosis in the lawn making it turn yellow.

The type of fertilizer you apply to your lawn is also very important. “So many of the fertilizers sold in retail stores are not formulated for the type of soil we have in this area,” Skip cautions. “One unique characteristic of our soil here along the Emerald Coast, is that it is very low on phosphorus and potassium. Most fertilizers advertised and sold for spring have little to none of these nutrients in them! Applying these products leaves a big gap in the nutritional needs of your lawn!”

Skip recommends that a soil test be done to verify what nutrients are lacking from the soil and purchase a fertilizer that has those ingredients.

HOW TO PROPERLY APPLY FERTILIZER
Even though you may wait until the right time and purchase the right type of fertilizer for your lawn, it is still important that you apply it correctly. “Every spring you can drive around and see lawns that look striped dark green, light green, dark green from improper fertilizer applications.”

According to Skip, the best way to avoid striping your lawn with fertilizer is to apply granular fertilizer with a “broadcast spreader” which throws the fertilizer out the sides in a random pattern as opposed to a “drop spreader” which drops the granules straight down in a line and is much harder to get proper overlap. His other suggestion is to go back and forth over the lawn one time with the spreader and then back and forth again, changing directions 90 degrees to create a tic tac toe pattern.

In summary, to get the most benefit from feeding your lawn in the spring, wait until temperatures are well in to the 80s before applying fertilizer, apply a balanced formula fertilizer and use a broadcast spreader, going back and forth over the lawn at 90-degree angles. Are you having problems keeping your lawn healthy?

For FREE LAWN

“It’s been a long journey and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it because of the customers I have met and the friends they have become,” she said.

When Wanda first started, she specialized in representing her customers in the purchase and sale of single-family residences and income-producing property within Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and the surrounding areas.

“I have been blessed. I want to let all my customers know how much I have appreciated working for them,” she said.

Wanda has stepped down as the broker/owner of Wanda g Roberts Realty, LLC, and returned to her role as REALTOR®, and Tressie Martin has been promoted to broker/owner.

Taking this step back to realtor allows Wanda to spend more time doing what she loves – working with buyers and sellers.

“I am not leaving the company, and we are still on 196 N Main Street. I will now have more time to spend with customers,” Wanda said.

Wanda opened Wanda g Roberts Realty in 2018 when she was semi-retired because that’s how passionate she is about it.

“I remember telling Mike Moulton of Century 21 that I had no clue you could have this much fun and get paid. I love it,” Wanda said. “I’m 71 and I am not looking at retiring from being a realtor any time soon.”

As a broker, you’re responsible for all the agents and everything that happens in the office. Tressie is excited for that responsibility.

Tressie originally pursued her real estate license about 20 years ago, had gotten out of the industry. She returned back to real estate in 2022.

“I like it because I like people,” Tressie said. “When Wanda and I got to working together, it just fit. She wants to slow down, and I don’t mind picking up, so it was a good fit for us.”

The Wanda g Roberts Realty team is with you every step of the way throughout your real estate journey and that doesn’t end once the sale is complete.

“I closed on a property last year and she was my very first customer 20 something years ago. It’s not about getting a buyer or a seller. I build relationships,” Wanda said.

Clients have called Wanda and asked if she would sit with them and their dying spouse because they didn’t have anyone else. She was honored to do so.

“They trust Wanda, beyond real estate,” Tressie said. “They’re like extended family to her.”

Wanda g Roberts Realty helps people buying and selling homes from Panama City to the Alabama state line. And for anyone concerned about the housing market right now, don’t be.

“The interest rates are down, and mortgage payments are about the same as rent right now,” Wanda said.

Why not own your own place instead of paying someone else’s mortgage?

Give Wanda a call to discuss your real estate needs today and start a relationship that will last a lifetime.

Wanda g Roberts Realty, LLC
196 N Main Street
Crestview, FL
(850) 398-5389
“Steeped in the Emerald Coast”

Family business Stewart Construction, a remodeling contractor located in the Crestview area, is here to help. Specializing in both commercial and residential construction and remodeling, Stewart Construction is experienced and you can trust them to get the job done.

“Construction runs in our family,” owner Richard Stewart said. “I started building when I was about 16 years old and worked with dad and uncle. My grandpa had a big commercial construction company and had about 30 guys working for him.”

Richard has anywhere from 9 to 13 guys working on his team on a regular basis and they strive for excellence every day. They take pride in their work and it shows.

Richard has nearly 30 years of experience and can build almost anything you need for your home, whether that be putting in a luxury shower, painting your whole house or new kitchen cabinets.

“It’s pretty much all I know how to do,” said Richard, who loves his job.

An expert at reading blueprints, Richard has pretty much any tool needed for any building or renovation project. He focuses on interior work and his specialty is kitchen and bathroom remodels, but his list of abilities is extensive.

Stewart Construction can help you with:

• Flooring
• Sheet rock
• Mudding
• Taping
• Painting
• Trim work
• Bathtubs
• Sinks
• Vanities
• Kitchen cabinets
• Framing
• Decks
• Roofing
• Siding
• Doors
• Windows
• Concrete flat work
• Room additions

Richard’s favorite part of his job is seeing the customers happy with how the finished project turned out and seeing their dreams become a reality.

Attention to detail is what sets Stewart Construction apart from their competitors.

“I’m very meticulous,” Richard said. “I’ll take extra time to makes sure it’s coming out right, even if it takes me hours longer than expected.”

Stewart Construction is a family-run business and their team appreciates anyone who supports their small business. Richard’s wife Taylor runs the administrative part of the business. She documents hours and does all the accounting for Stewart Construction.

Refresh your home and give it the look you’ve been dreaming about with the help of an experienced contractor who goes the extra mile for their clients. For more information on all that Stewart Construction has to offer, check out www.stewartconstructionfl.com.

Call them at (207) 636-6613 to discuss your home renovation or new construction needs and schedule a consultation today.

Stewart Construction

(207) 636-6613

www.stewartconstructionfl.com

Commercial & Residential

Construction & Remodeling

She cleans the entire house or office, from toilets, bathtubs and sinks to floors and walls. The cleaning transformation is Jessica’s favorite part of her job. She says she has been in some pretty dirty buidings.

“To see my work change a space from what it was to what I cleaned it to – that’s what really amazes me,” she said.

She cleans both commercial and residential spaces – from offices and stores to apartments, houses, condos and townhomes. Whether you’re moving out of an apartment, about to put your house on the market, or just have company coming over for the holidays and want your place to be spick and span, Royalty Cleaning Service has got you covered.

Her children are her inspiration for her business, and she even named the business after her only daughter.

“My daughter is 5 and her name is Royalty and that’s how I came up with the name,” Jessica said. “She’s my motivation. I’m doing it for her.”

Jessica wants to set a good example for her only daughter, who looks up to her. They share a very special connection and Jessica wants to protect her.

“She’s my princess. She’s my best friend and I’m her best friend,” Jessica said.

She also has four sons with another son on the way and says she cleans every day at home to keep up with them.

Royalty Cleaning Service operates on same day service. So, if a customer calls early in the day, Jessica can typically clean the same day. Services are also paid for the same day.

Jessica does regular scheduled cleanings as well. She offers weekly, bi-monthly and monthly.

“If they want it cleaned every week, I can do that as well,” she said “Some I do weekly, some I come just when they need the services. I try to be lenient because I know times are hard.”

Her services vary depending on what the space needs. She does a general cleaning, which is where she wipes down and sanitizes all surfaces and leaves the place smelling good. Jessica also offers deep cleaning, which is more intricate.

There is a $25 required deposit to book a cleaning and prices vary depending on how far she needs to drive. Jessica will travel however far a project is to clean. The prices of services also vary, but Royalty Cleaning Service offers free quotes.

“I go in and look at the job, see what needs to be done,” Jessica said.

Potential clients can also take a picture of the area that needs to be cleaned and text it to 334-473-7434 for a free consultation over text.

Right now, her clientele varies from homes to offices, but she is expanding into the real estate realm.

The quality of work and her affordable prices makes Royalty Cleaning Service stand out amongst her competitors. Jessica is independent and keeps a positive attitude. She is passionate and dedicated to her craft. Her prices are competitive and worth every penny.

“I try to offer the best prices around and my dedication shows in my cleaning,” she said. “My work is worth it.”

Family business Stewart Construction, a remodeling contractor located in the Crestview area, is here to help. Specializing in both commercial and residential construction and remodeling, Stewart Construction is experienced and you can trust them to get the job done.

“Construction runs in our family,” owner Richard Stewart said. “I started building when I was about 16 years old and worked with dad and uncle. My grandpa had a big commercial construction company and had about 30 guys working for him.”

Richard has anywhere from 9 to 13 guys working on his team on a regular basis and they strive for excellence every day. They take pride in their work and it shows.

Richard has nearly 30 years of experience and can build almost anything you need for your home, whether that be putting in a luxury shower, painting your whole house or new kitchen cabinets.

“It’s pretty much all I know how to do,” said Richard, who loves his job.

An expert at reading blueprints, Richard has pretty much any tool needed for any building or renovation project. He focuses on interior work and his specialty is kitchen and bathroom remodels, but his list of abilities is extensive.

Stewart Construction can help you with:

• Flooring
• Sheet rock
• Mudding
• Taping
• Painting
• Trim work
• Bathtubs
• Sinks
• Vanities
• Kitchen cabinets
• Framing
• Decks
• Roofing
• Siding
• Doors
• Windows
• Concrete flat work
• Room additions

Richard’s favorite part of his job is seeing the customers happy with how the finished project turned out and seeing their dreams become a reality.

Attention to detail is what sets Stewart Construction apart from their competitors.

“I’m very meticulous,” Richard said. “I’ll take extra time to makes sure it’s coming out right, even if it takes me hours longer than expected.”

Stewart Construction is a family-run business and their team appreciates anyone who supports their small business. Richard’s wife Taylor runs the administrative part of the business. She documents hours and does all the accounting for Stewart Construction.

Refresh your home and give it the look you’ve been dreaming about with the help of an experienced contractor who goes the extra mile for their clients. For more information on all that Stewart Construction has to offer, check out www.stewartconstructionfl.com.

Call them at (207) 636-6613 to discuss your home renovation or new construction needs and schedule a consultation today.

Stewart Construction
Commercial & Residential
Construction & Remodeling
(207) 636-6613
www.stewartconstructionfl.com