Published on Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Lawns in Iowa all have cool-season grass, which thrives in cooler weather. Therefore, our lawns need a little extra TLC during the summertime to help them survive the heat. A soil test is the first step to ensuring your grass gets everything it needs throughout the summer. After you know exactly what nutrients your lawn is lacking, you'll be able to use custom fertilization treatments to supply your lawn with nutrients to help it combat the heat. Additionally, you'll want to...
Published on Monday, June 06, 2022
In Iowa, weeds are a consistent factor in our lawn's health, competing against our turf for nutrients, growing space, and other resources. Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control are both highly effective treatments, but do you need both? The simple answer is yes! Pre-emergent treatments prevent a majority of weeds from sprouting up through the soil, making it essential in spring to get ahead of most weed growth. Post-emergent weed control comes into play for any weeds that slipped...
Published on Monday, May 30, 2022
In Iowa, Ascochyta leaf blight is an unfortunate threat that our lawns may have to face. Ascochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease that begins presenting around early June, turning areas of turf straw-colored as it spreads and kills grass. The best preparation for this disease is preventative treatments that will give your lawn a leg up against the fungus as well as professional lawn care to bolster your turf's defenses. If you begin to notice signs of Ascochyta leaf blight amongst ...
Published on Sunday, May 15, 2022
It's hard to believe tiny insects like aphids are capable of inflicting extensive damage to your lawn and landscape. In Iowa, these pests can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and landscape if they're not dealt with in a timely manner. You may notice that your plants are bitten through and discolored after aphids have latched onto them. After they establish themselves on your plants and lawn, it becomes difficult to get rid of them unless you reach out to a professional to...
Published on Monday, May 09, 2022
Dandelions, white clovers, creeping Charlies, and black medics are all invasive weed species in Iowa that tend to show up to bloom in spring. Once established on your lawn, they each can become a nuisance and can be rather difficult to get rid of as they disperse their seeds and continue to spread. Whenever dealing with one or more of these invasive species, it's best to contact a professional to eliminate them from your lawn!
1. Dandelions
The first spring lawn weed you should...
Published on Wednesday, April 20, 2022
It's a good idea to be aware of the pH level of your soil in order to cultivate a healthy lawn. When your soil has a low pH level, meaning it has higher levels of acidity, the growth of your lawn is hindered due to a lack of nutrients. However, there is a way to restore these pH levels in your soil, and that is by way of lime treatment. In short, lime makes soil less acidic, which will allow your plants to grow and flourish in healthy soil! One way to tell if your lawn is in need of a lime...
Published on Thursday, April 14, 2022
Beneath your healthy and vibrant grass is the soil that holds the roots and supports your turf. Soil is the layer in the ground where plants grow and thrive. There are many different soil types, including sand, silt, and clay. Here in Iowa, we have a combination of all 3 soil types. Each has varying drainage capabilities and nutrient compositions, which is why it is so important to regularly test your soil to find out what it needs to help your grass thrive. Learn more about the earth...
Published on Monday, April 11, 2022
The winters we have here in Iowa can take a toll on your lawn, which is why your grass needs all the help it can get as it wakes up from winter dormancy and prepares for the growing season. If you're looking for a lawn care solution that doesn't involve chemicals, core aeration is going to be your lawn's best bet.
Core aeration is a mechanical process that includes pulling plugs of soil from your lawn to reduce compaction. It allows nutrients and resources to easily...
Published on Thursday, March 24, 2022
If you're looking for ways to improve the health and vigor of your turf this spring in Iowa, scheduling an aeration service can do the job. Aeration involves pulling tiny plugs of soil from the ground to loosen compacted soil and allow the roots of your grass to access more nutrients and resources like water, air, and sunlight, which will help it revive itself after winter dormancy. Additionally, aeration equips your turf with the strength to fight off lawn diseases and insects....
Published on Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Brown patch is a fungal disease that commonly affects lawns here in Iowa. As the name suggests, this disease is characterized by the large, brown patches it leaves on your lawn. However, these brown spots can also indicate that your lawn is dehydrated. To figure out which issue your lawn is suffering from, you should first consider your watering schedule and check if you are watering your lawn correctly. Next, you should take a closer look at the brown spots on your lawn to see if they ...
