With warmer spring temperatures, weeds begin competing for space in lawns, and lawn insects become more active. It’s important to stay ahead of these lawn-damaging intruders and protect your lawn from their devastating effects. Good lawn maintenance practices can help strengthen your lawn’s resilience against weed and insect invasions.
Grass and weeds compete for nutrients, water, and space in a lawn. Weeds often invade lawns that are under or over-watered, improperly fertilized, mowed incorrectly, or have highly compacted soil. Lawns weakened by disease or insects are also more prone to weeds.
The spread of dandelions and other noxious weeds can be reduced by regular lawn maintenance and good preventative practices.
By watering and mowing properly, aerating regularly, and applying fertilizer, pre-emergents, and herbicides, your lawn will win the battle against weeds and become lush, green, and healthy.
Mulch mowing can also protect your lawn from weed seeds. The mulch acts as a barrier, preventing weed seeds from reaching the soil and germinating. Keeping your lawn height at 3 inches also helps shield it from invasive weeds. Another benefit of maintaining a slightly longer lawn is that it helps retain moisture, especially during hot summer temperatures.
Aerating regularly allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the root zone. This can help fortify your lawn’s root system which builds a stronger turf. Weeds and insects will have a much harder time establishing themselves in a thick, healthy lawn with strong roots.
Billbugs are a serious lawn pest in the Treasure Valley. As larvae feed on lawn roots, they can quickly damage large areas of your lawn. Billbug damage is most common in lawns established with sod.
Damage from billbugs often shows up as irregular patches of drought-stressed lawn that is not anchored or rooted to the soil. Billbug infestations may also attract predators, such as skunks and raccoons, which dig and further damage your lawn in search of these insects.
The most effective way to control billbug infestations is to apply an insecticide that targets the adult insects before they lay eggs. This is best achieved with liquid sprays applied in the spring.
Another important step to prevent billbug infestations is to grow a thriving, healthy, well-watered lawn. Lawns that are adequately watered and in good condition have the best chance of preventing and overcoming insect invasions. Proper lawn care is far less expensive than reseeding or replacing sod.
If you notice signs of lawn stress, feel free to call our office here at Zing Services. We can schedule a lawn analysis and estimate to provide the care your lawn needs to overcome any weed or insect issues. Call us today at 208-585-9400.
