![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lrBgC06YV-YqYYN7yRqNSriNT1OML-uP_RX86xvcR6G-OFtk8wmECKyCgD2_rNu3YxygamloDHM7HEcBMrPw4_ublc1NsqStMB4bElrsOI4PGVzqqx0Riz1nLQgXUeOk3ZHzzyCl\")
If you were a weed, wouldn’t you want to make Charlotte your home? These uninvited guests, however, get in the way of us keeping lawns beautiful.
\n","content":"\nYou really can’t blame them: If you were a weed, wouldn’t you want to make Charlotte your home? These uninvited guests, however, get in the way of us keeping lawns beautiful.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to have your yard become a weedy welcome mat, the key is to spot them early and take care of weeds as they come up. Here’s a guide for controlling the worst weeds in Charlotte.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant once was a standard part of grass seed mixes. But once chemical herbicides were introduced after World War II, clover was redefined as a weed by the industry. Clover will come back year after year, left unchecked. Winter frost doesn’t slow it down one bit, either. Clover likes nothing better than poorly fertilized grass because it has the upper hand. To beat this persistent weed, start by fertilizing in the spring and fall to give your lawn an advantage. Keep the grass mowed high — 3 inches or taller — to give it an edge over the clover. The last resort is using a broadleaf herbicide to spot-treat the clover, But only do this if your efforts to have the grass overpower the clover fail.
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This annual winter weed will creep in beginning in early fall and will persist until spring. Left unchecked, it can spread into large patches. The organic way to control chickweed is to pull up any of the shallow-rooted plants as they come up. You’ll then need to aerate and reseed to fill in any of the gaps in the turf left behind. Some pre-emergent treatments will kill chickweed when applied in the early spring, and post-emergents will work in the fall. Mow often to prevent these plants from going to seed, at which point a pre-emergent may be the best choice.
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Hairy bittercress may sound like an ingredient in a Harry Potter spell but will feel like a curse if you ever try to pull it up by the roots. This annual winter weed will send small explosions of seeds in all directions. During winter and spring, go on a bittercress patrol a couple of times a week and pull any emerging plants. Once the seeds start popping, you will have a much bigger problem the following year. Frequent mowings can keep this pesky weed in check, but a severe infestation calls for broadleaf herbicide treatment.
\n\n\n\nFrom late fall to spring, this opportunistic weed loves to invade patchy lawns in shady spots. Begin surveying the yard in late summer to scope out any of the telltale purple leaves as it begins to emerge. Hand weed any henbit you find in these first weeks of emergence, and you should be well-positioned to win the battle. Treat any heavy infestations with a pre-emergent in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uT_V7ugO7nsiFbU1dxk5CIMFlSXuwIhWQCVUaEfnw50Pfk6NYM2KJyXpzuYXpXQNKkbK0ZifGGcmb4FGEaPhkzlmhQzug9s3WYirdEi205rPn6XsbuiGvK2L9VNb7gN65jtLlWce\")
Often mistaken for henbit, this relative of mint is one of the most aggressive lawn weeds around. If you’re able to spot it early and pull it up by the roots, you’ll be in good shape, but if you have an infestation, you’re in trouble. A pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide may be the only way to take care of a bad case of purple deadnettle.
\n\n\n\nBear in mind that for each of these weeds and countless others, the best offense is a good defense. Aerating, mowing properly, watering and fertilizing at the right times, helps in controlling the worst weeds in Charlotte. Remember, the more energy you put into keeping the lawn healthy and happy, the less time you will spend fighting off weeds.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
The things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. Here are the worst ones and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nThe things that make Charlotte a beautiful place to live — short, mild winters and long months of hot, humid weather — make it a haven for insects. If you haven’t encountered any of these pesky interlopers yet, chances are you will at some point. Here’s a list of the worst backyard pests in Charlotte, N.C., and how to deal with them.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/BLU_yMhW80SMMI1oRONPvyLPmrRvT25vN4tePCqNjbmnM15jryrQIXtUr_Xz0gChposzndRdYhJLTLYsWz_9ybOVTck2pS4zD9wWqulRU3nW1tQZL8V9P6JwK7od8LVUTaiSkaza\")
These little suckers attach themselves to the undersides of the leaves of herbaceous and woody plants and suck the life out of them. The easiest way to detect aphids is to examine the bottoms of leaves from time to time. If you see a plant looking unusually wilted or developing strangely shaped or colored new leaves, the aphids have invaded. It’s possible to treat aphids without chemicals, by crushing them, spraying them with water from a hose, or treating them with neem oil.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll first see these pests gathering in late spring, forming small bags that resemble upside-down ice cream cones. Conifers are the most susceptible trees. The sooner you notice them, the better. You can treat with a biological, nontoxic pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, but only when the worms are young and feeding. Spinosad is your next line of defense, effective on the adult worms and also low in toxicity. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem, because it will only get worse the following year.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_gfirmzWi6t0nx5-2kpUgsrgLUbSTri7lPAbERHMSOpoxC6I1fpWrG0fSZ-G3zfLiBoLJsqdwtQKDL91eizRApL2hpt-wTubVRzySXRcMDMvtGyadKJA6haLiOaKsHJJcbXJ-M0b\")
Nothing ruins a good time in the yard faster than fire ants. These inconsiderate invaders do great damage to the lawn and deliver nasty bites that you won’t soon forget. There are many control methods, from treating mounds with boiling water to drenching them with insecticide. One of the most effective techniques is the two-step method, which can reduce the population by 80 to 90 percent. This involves spreading a bait over your yard in the early part of fall. The ants will take this back to their nest where it will kill the queen. The second step involves treating individual mounds with a granule or dust insecticide.
\n\n\n\nWhile mosquitoes don’t do any damage to the lawn, they can ruin a backyard party. They’re also the deadliest creature on the planet! The best way to take care of this pest is to prevent them from breeding in the first place. Make sure there is absolutely no standing water anywhere in the yard. If you have a birdbath, replace the water every few days, and if you have a pond or water feature, treat it with non-toxic mosquito dunks every couple of weeks.
\n\n\n\nPlanting fragrant plants like mint, lavender, geraniums. and rosemary around decks and patios can help to repel these bloodsuckers. If all else fails, installing oscillating deck fans can help to at least keep these slow-flying pests at bay.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/8-cnXREv09d7KZnxV_WpM4iROBuk1IaRkCzYF-hehaPeXl15-Re-j9oO5bkUIdF6jDjmSalXZxthOUIDPV7vqq7WAIOai7shYz5OzNysxIZ5RuQ3GdD_mE5xyldYhOV3hGJwhOg4\")
When you begin to see inexplicable brown spots on an otherwise healthy lawn, you can be almost certain that a grub is to blame. If you suspect you have a grub issue, try to lift up a piece of affected turf. If it rolls up and seems to lack roots, then you know you have grubs. To avoid using chemicals on your lawn, use milky spore, nematodes, or neem oil to kill the grubs in the soil. Remember, the healthier your lawn is, the more difficult it is for grubs to make a dent in it. Mow consistently and make sure you irrigate the right amount.
\n\n\n\nNo matter what pests you’re dealing with, prevention and early detection are the best defenses you can mount against them. Treating an all-out infestation will always be more difficult and time-consuming. So keep your eyes open and do your best to defeat the worst pests before they become problematic.
\n\n\n\nWant to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte Lawn Care page.
\n\n\n\nJay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.
Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n","content":"\nAfter working so hard to make your yard and garden perfect, you deserve to enjoy it. Taking the time now to learn about the worst backyard pests in Tampa will pay off if you happen to run across any in your yard. Here are some of the most common garden pests and suggestions for getting rid of them.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches are generally about 1.5 inches long and love the humidity in Tampa. You’ll find them in your garden, trees, under your sink, in your bathroom, behind the dishwasher, and anywhere there’s moisture. The females will lay eggs anywhere they can find food and water. Avoid leaving pet food out and, to the extent possible, deprive them of the moist, shady outdoor areas in which they thrive, such as stacks of wood, piles of leaves or hollow tree stumps.
\n\n\n\nThere are many species of cockroaches in Florida. Some fly, some don’t. Some seek shelter in homes, others don’t. The giant of them all is the Florida woods cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug. One member of the species was plucked from the obscurity of a woodpile in Apopka, Fla., and won the World Cockroach Contest in 1986. Its length: 2.49 inches. Its name: Longfellow. Its one saving grace: Like other palmetto bugs, it prefers to live outdoors.
\n\n\n\nCockroaches rarely bite, but many carry bacteria such as salmonella which can contaminate food. Their waste and sheddings can trigger attacks in people with asthma. Boric acid dust and common insecticides help control them, but it’s best to call an exterminator for any substantial infestation. Even a professional won’t be able to totally rid your yard or house of these worst backyard pests in Tampa.
\n\n\n\nThe tiny mouths of these arthropods allow them to make holes in many of your plants. Getting rid of spider mites can be difficult. Try applying a half and half mixture of water and alcohol. Make sure the alcohol is isopropyl, which is toxic to insects but shouldn’t hurt your plants. If the mites are still making your garden and lawn into their home, you may have to research chemical products.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/K3UXOYZ81AKeXZfwZwO9qG3NJbV6eczq6Hgv2I8vQviswAkGhD5gri16byFvUB97GDqnN5mFh0wtB49_r9WmNnTXr4IQyKonStT6LhVlnBQqLkS_bfA4Fk92T3QCzOafsNoWfGRZ\")
Tropical sod webworms can do a lot of damage. For such tiny creatures, they can have a big impact on your yard. These caterpillars may be hard to spot, as they can turn as green as the grass they eat. If one part of your lawn has brown patches and is shorter than the rest, bend down and inspect it closely to see whether your lawn is infested.
\n\n\n\nThe adults are annoying triangular-shaped moths that don’t do much damage. But they lay eggs in the lawn, and the hatching larvae feed on the grass blades. To get rid of these tiny troublemakers, try sprinkling soapy water on the lawn. This will usually draw the critters out, so you can remove them. But if you notice a large infestation, you’ll have to resort to an insecticide. Spinosad is an organic product that controls the tropical sod webworm, without hurting the grass or beneficial bugs.
\n\n\n\nThese gray oval bugs can destroy your plants quickly. Their dusty and grainy look is actually a waxy protective coat. Since they may be hard to spot, keep an eye out for dirty or yellow patches on your plants. Your plants looking like they have fur or lint on them may be another sign mealybugs have taken up residence.
\n\n\n\nTo get rid of them, spray the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Another approach is to deter them their natural predators. Tiny wasps, “mealybug destroyer” ladybugs and lacewings will make a quick meal of the mealy bugs.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Pulm8_tsekxSdH-8nbUZKxQa8LVaiXskw2AXgxpMwqfdMLBGFwrh8GahZ69xx7qX5b2SIY4pBbv64tPhtQEcrv-hbsQqzEogBZUnc__0-qCMmLfLmCfWT6WweCcCdSlUjBK7kSqO\")
Opossums are prevalent in Florida. If they can get ahold of anything in your garden, they will. To keep them away, trim the fruit trees where the critters like to snack. You can also block off and cover individual plants and areas you want to protect. Chemical deterrents for opossums are also available if you ‘re at your wits end with these pests.
\n\n\n\nWhile opossums are a nuisance, they can also be beneficial. Besides feasting on your citrus trees, they eat ticks, mice, roaches, rats and snakes. They’re actually immune to rattlesnake venom. Opossums are also the only marsupial in North America and one of the oldest critters on earth.
\n\n\n\nYou may not immediately think of housepets such as cats or dogs as garden pests, but they can ruin a lawn and garden faster than an opossum. Cats and dogs are naturally curious and like to chew on plants and grass. Cats like to lay and roll in the grass and newly seeded dirt. Dogs love to dig. The best way to keep your pets from chewing on your grass and garden plants is by training them to use a designated area of the yard. You can also try a homemade solution which has garlic, hot pepper or soapy water. Another tip is to water the area your yard where the dog goes potty. This will help dilute the urine, which can kill the grass.
\n\n\n\nWith the right knowledge and effort, you can protect your home from the worst backyard pests in Tampa. Once your garden is safe, you’ll have more time to enjoy relaxing in it, than working on it.
\n\n\n\n
Want to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Tampa? Visit our Tampa Lawn Care page.
It takes a little knowhow, but a gorgeous green lawn is possible throughout Kansas City’s hot summer. We’ll teach you how with this guide to summer lawn care.
\n","content":"\nIf you want a yard that looks like a million bucks through the summer, you have to work at it — even though it’s tempting to stay inside in the AC when the mercury rises above 90 degrees. Here’s a simplified guide to summer lawn care in Kansas City.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HTw7cXSeV6wctW5M2ruTNy-VT3FT7ENWHGK-E5hwVJ8XcyS6uhpiecYQmVGQ191sZpLTmGF-kJToZAIBiUCcjx1BR5cJ8XAW3TWk_UDs4poCaTvmThj1VqBsPxaZpQ49ArjzNdWi\")
The first thing that comes to mind is watering. Yes, your grass needs water when it’s hot, but there’s a right way to go about it. You may be tempted to over-irrigate, assuming that more is better when it’s hot. In fact, because Kansas City soil has a lot of clay, excessive water simply runs down the curb and into the gutter.
\n\n\n\nAlso, if you water too much or too often, your grass roots will stay near the surface. You want them to go deep. Make them work for their drink! In that same vein, it’s better to water about three times a week rather than every day.
\n\n\n\nYour yard needs 1-2 inches of water per week. That can come from rain or irrigation, or a combination of both. KC typically gets about 23 inches of rain between May and September — so Mother Nature does her part.
\n\n\n\nAfter watering, the soil beneath your turfgrass should be moist down to 4-6 inches deep. A way to gauge that is to shove a long screwdriver into it and measure the muddy residue on it. Water in the morning when the dew is on the blades and before the day begins baking. If you water in the afternoon, most of it will just evaporate in the hot air. Evenings are a second-best alternative, but avoid watering at night. When grass stays wet in the cool overnight, it invites in damaging bacteria and fungi.
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So, the grass is watered, and the sun is shining. Next comes that all-American summertime ritual — mowing. There is a temptation to mow your lawn down until it is as pristine as a putting green. And let’s admit it – we like to cut it short to stretch out the days between mowing. Summer lawn care in Kansas City means regular mowing. The best types of grass for Kansas City are tall fescue and Zoysia. Both should stay about 2-1/2 to 3 inches tall to be healthy and to keep weeds from claiming squatters’ rights. Keep your lawn mower blade sharp. You want to clip your grass evenly — not beat it into submission.
\n\n\n\nIf you did your due diligence and treated your yard with pre-emergent herbicide in the spring, you fired the opening shot in the war on weeds. But the battle will continue through the summer.
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You have two ways to fight it. First is the time-honored tradition of hoeing, digging, or pulling up weeds. The other is to use a post-emergent herbicide. Your best bet is a selective post-emergent product. Selective means it should kill certain types of weeds and grasses, but leave others alone. Make sure to read the label and get a product that will kill your weeds, but not your grass. Selective herbicides will kill off the top of your weeds, but will not stop buried weed seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also find nonselective post-emergent herbicides, like the popular Roundup brand. These will kill everything they touch, including your grass and yard plants. The best use of these potent products is on weeds and grasses that pop up in the cracks of your sidewalk and driveway and along fence lines.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a conscientious lawn steward, you fertilized in the spring. Don’t do it again in the heat of summer or you’ll risk chemical burn to your grass.
\n\n\n\nKeep an eye out for brown patches in your lawn. This could be a sign of grub worms. A few grubs will not hurt a healthy lawn. But if the turf peels back easily and you see a lot of the fat little creatures, a trip to the garden center for pesticide should nip the problem. Look for a product that contains neonicotinoids or chlorantraniliprole.
\n\n\n\nKeeping a great yard all summer is an ongoing chore, but follow this regimen, and you should have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Kansas City? Visit our Kansas City Lawn Care page.
Gardeners take note: You know those fussy plants that struggle in the hottest months of summer and require special care to survive winter? These are, without a doubt, nonnative species, those interlopers not acclimated to the conditions of this region. If you want to save yourself the hassle of bending over backward to keep these […]
\n","content":"\nGardeners take note: You know those fussy plants that struggle in the hottest months of summer and require special care to survive winter? These are, without a doubt, nonnative species, those interlopers not acclimated to the conditions of this region. If you want to save yourself the hassle of bending over backward to keep these plants alive, choose native plants for Charlotte.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have the upper hand because they evolved to thrive in North Carolina. They provide excellent habitat and forage for pollinators and wildlife. Best of all, they need little care compared to their invasive counterparts. Here are a few of the best native plants for Charlotte, N.C.
\n\n\n\nA local, well-adapted to forests and riverbanks, cardinal flower is a showy native that can grow in the sun and shade. This beautiful perennial can grow from one to six feet tall. While it doesn’t need much water, it prefers slightly moist soil. Blooming from May until October, you’ll see lots of hummingbirds stop by to feast on the nectar.
\n\n\n\nThis native flower is a primary food source for monarch butterflies. This variety of milkweed has bright orange blooms that last from May to August. It thrives best in full sun and dry soil, requiring almost no maintenance to flourish.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rBbq0WF4wWvvYwX5TvdFYCNWhhcn72IvOsFDTENKJvS1cheazSie18on_zi-V6DgzlcHiDvp0V2DBN8pip9pQzGlyjPSYrfnJqQ0BuNJ1RWTGheuHOfDLDXLUD6Mge_elInNec9m\")
This mountain native loves nothing more than sunshine and well-drained soil. From May to June, large spires of yellow flowers adorn the top of this plant’s branches. It’s great for adding color and height to the edges of a garden. Standing three to six feet tall, this is a tall perennial that will steal the show with early spring blooms.
\n\n\n\nThe blue blooms of the dwarf crested iris are great if you’re looking for flowers to plant in shaded areas. Standing less than a foot tall, this miniature blooms from March to May, offering bursts of color and food for hummingbirds in early spring.
\n\n\n\nThis small shrub features long, arching branches and bright foliage. It blooms with striking clusters of purple berries in fall and winter, providing food for wildlife. Usually reaching heights of three to five feet, beautyberry performs best in part shade. This makes it an ideal understory shrub or edge planting. The beautyberry requires little maintenance and will provide color when most of your other plants are dormant.
\n\n\n\nBeloved by gardeners and butterflies alike, buttonbush is a multistemmed shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The round white or pink flowers that dangle from the tips of the branches are irresistible to butterflies. Well suited for shade and part shade, this is another excellent understory plant that performs well on the edge of a property.
\n\n\n\nThis is only a taste of the many species native to our area. Hopefully, it can stimulate your imagination about the landscape possibilities when you choose native plants to Charlotte. Remember, the more native your landscape, the more time you can spend enjoying it, rather than maintaining it.
\n\n\n\nLooking to learn more about lawn care and gardening in Charlotte? Visit our Charlotte, NC lawn care page.
Jacksonville’s warm climate is something that backyard pests really appreciate, too. Here’s a list of the biggest pests, and what to do about them.
\n","content":"\nJacksonville’s warm climate and proximity to many bodies of water create the perfect environment for pests. These backyard pests can create many issues for homeowners. Here are some of the worst backyard pests in Jacksonville, and more importantly, how to get rid of them.
\n\n\n\nYay, Jax! In 2019 the city broke into the list of the top U.S. cities …for mosquitoes. Some people tend to get bitten only a few minutes after stepping outside while others aren’t mosquito magnets at all. Either way, it’s essential to keep the mosquito population down around your home. These bloodsuckers can spread disease and cause significant health problems for your family and pets. There’s no doubt they’re among the worst pests in Jacksonville and one of the deadliest in the world.
\n\n\n\nMake sure to rid your lawn and garden from any standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Buy a mosquito zapper and wear bug repellent while outdoors. Guard the family pooch against heartworms spread by infected mosquitoes as well. Use natural mosquito repellent plants around your home. Catmint, marigolds, and citronella have a scent that bugs mosquitoes.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/c2sdWdrobROzG-bFF6MjtV360OrNNqfe4j_m2OocW71AZDXYMWMG4PXszf8dxZlBEwGzc3c_Voz0VC964QSQGMnSNKLIefrBeSPgZL-D-qizb2tt14TstRkT0-0BlixNc54a4zIZ\")
While these flying lovers aren’t harmful to humans, their sheer numbers can wreak havoc in the Jacksonville area. They are also known as the honeymoon fly, but they’re nothing lovable about them. These bugs mate and then remain attached for several days afterward. Lovebugs are commonly found flooding sides of buildings and splattering across the front of cars.
![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TfsJW9tGCddH6YzJVE-Fjio2NpwLdYMxJeyVmndOt83zAGmeW_TADhv8cJoJIUTAqSykzVwg2dx5pOpIIj1beQ52nl-set_T3hjEifv3C7XeFZSEijk8rC9SXCFSCdJyM8TVDLdC\")
2019 was a particularly bad year (actually a good year for the bugs, bad for us,) thanks to a lack of rainfall that encouraged eggs production. There isn’t much you can do to prevent or rid your backyard of these swarms of lovebugs other than use screened-in outdoor areas. Cutting down on piles of plant debris in the yard could also help keep these amorous pests away. They especially like feeding on Brazilian pepper.
\n\n\n\nAny wood structures are targets for termites in the Jacksonville area. It doesn’t take long for these small wood eaters to do some costly damage to homes, garages, sheds, and backyard playgrounds. Walk around any wood structures on your property to look for mud tubes and droppings that look like sawdust. Ridding your property of any wood piles or dead trees is one way to prevent termites from entering your area. If you’ve got an infestation, it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
\n\n\n\nThese small gnats are also known as sand fleas in the Jacksonville area. They tend to hang out on the sandy beaches but can also fly around the city. No-see-ums are usually active in the mornings or late afternoons, and their sting is easy to feel. You’ll most likely feel a no-see-um before you lay eyes on it.
\n\n\n\nApplying insect repellent before going outside is one way to prevent these little critters from causing issues. Carbon dioxide traps are also popular to use in backyards.
\n\n\n\nWhile Florida may be a prime target for many bugs, you can prevent some of the worst pests in Jacksonville from making themselves at home in your home. Keep your grass mowed, and remove any yard debris. Most pests are looking for tall grass and woodpiles to breed and nest. You don’t have to use harmful chemicals to control the pest population, but it will take plenty of perseverance and patience.
\n\n\n\nHave questions about lawn care in Jacksonville? Make sure to check our Jacksonville, FL lawn care page.
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