Posted on: Jul 10, 2024Luis M Pérez

WEEDS

Texas

Dandelions: These common yellow flower weeds can quickly take over a lawn.

Solution: Apply broadleaf herbicides in the fall or early spring. Regular mowing and maintaining a thick, healthy lawn can help prevent their spread.

Bermuda grass: This aggressive grass can invade lawns and flower beds. It is not a weed but a grass. If you have Zoisia or St. Augustine grass and Bermuda grass, you must decide to either kill the Bermuda grass or live with it, and the hardiest of grass will take over the lawn. Bermuda grass is also desirable on its own as it is very hardy and easy to take care of. How to Take Care of Bermuda Grass

Solution: No selective herbicides target Bermudagrass. You can use a total vegetation-kill product. However, you must be extremely careful if you overspray, as it will kill all vegetation. We highly recommend a professional service to help you with this problem. Regular mowing and edging can also help control its spread.

Crabgrass: Crabgrass is a grassy weed found in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and most of the United States. Cultural Control of Crabgrass

Solution: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring, hand-pull, or spot-treat with post-emergent herbicides as needed.

Illinois

Dandelions: These common yellow flower weeds can quickly take over a lawn. Dandelions & Other Common Spring Weeds

Solution: Apply broadleaf herbicides in the fall or early spring. Regular mowing and maintaining a thick, healthy lawn can help prevent their spread.

Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy): This weed spreads quickly in shady, moist areas.

Solution: Improve lawn drainage and sunlight exposure. Use selective herbicides specifically for broadleaf weeds.

Crabgrass: Crabgrass is a grassy weed found in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and most of the United States. Cultural Control of Crabgrass

Solution: Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring, hand-pull, or spot-treat with post-emergent herbicides as needed.

PESTS

Texas

Fire Ants: These aggressive insects can be a significant nuisance. Fire Ants In Texas

Solution: Use baits designed explicitly for fire ants. Dr. Green Lawn Services applies bait in late spring for best results, and we regularly inspect and treat mounds as they appear.

Grubs: These pests feed on grass roots, causing dead patches.

Solution: Dr. Green Lawn Services applies grub control products in late summer when grubs are most active. Maintaining a healthy lawn is essential to making it less attractive to grubs.

Mosquitoes: These flying insects are not only annoying but deadly. Protecting yourself from mosquitoes is a full-time job in itself.

Solution: For the best results, a professional mosquito service should be used, as they have all the right products to handle and retreat when needed.

Illinois

Japanese Beetles: The larvae, or grubs, feed on grass roots. Signs Of Grub Damage

Solution: Dr. Green uses preventative and curative grub control products. They are applied in early summer and followed up with spot treatments as needed.

Chinch Bugs: These pests suck the sap from grass blades, causing yellowing and browning. If not taken care of, they will kill a lawn within a few days to a week. It would be best to be on guard when your lawn looks dry, even after watering. Do not hesitate to call Dr. Green immediately.

Solution: Keep your lawn well-watered and fertilized. If you see or suspect infestation, call a professional for chemical treatment.

Mosquitoes: These flying insects are not only annoying but deadly. Protecting yourself from mosquitoes is a full-time job in itself.

Solution: For the best results, a professional mosquito service should be used, as they have all the right products to handle and retreat when needed.

DISEASES

Texas

Brown Patch: This fungal disease causes circular brown patches on lawns.

Solution: Avoid overwatering and water in the morning to allow grass to dry out. Apply fungicides as needed, especially during humid conditions.

Gray Leaf Spot: Affects St. Augustine grass, causing spots and blight.

Solution: Reduce nitrogen fertilization during hot, humid weather. Apply fungicides if the disease is severe.

Illinois:

Snow Mold: This appears after the snow melts, leaving patches of dead grass. Lawn Insects or Fungus Problem?

Solution: Rake affected areas to improve air circulation. Apply fungicides in late fall before the first snowfall.

General Lawn Care Tips for Both States

1. Proper Mowing: Keep grass at the recommended height for the species. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

2. Adequate Watering: Water should be used early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

If you live in Texas, water in short cycles, allowing your grass to absorb the water. Longer watering cycles may lead to runoff and puddling.

If you live in Illinois or Indiana, we recommend deep watering for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour each so that the water gets deep enough to reach the bottom of the roots.

3. Fertilization: Follow a fertilization schedule appropriate for your grass type and climate. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote disease and pest problems.

4. Aeration: Aeration reduces soil compaction, allowing water, oxygen, and nutrients to enter the lawn’s root system. When soil is compacted, these nutrients are blocked at the soil’s surface. Aerating eliminates this blockage, helping the grass grow thicker, greener, and healthier. Every lawn should be aerated at least once yearly in the spring or fall. Some people opt to get it in spring and fall.

By addressing these common problems with tailored solutions from your professional lawn care company, you can help your lawn thrive in Texas and Illinois.

Questions

To learn more, visit us online at doctorgreen.com, email me at luisp@doctorgreen.com, or 800-465-2934.