This year, the warmer than average weather patterns are affecting lawns in new and unexpected ways. It is important for homeowners to understand what the warm weather means for their lawns so that they can take the necessary steps to keep them healthy and beautiful.
One of the biggest concerns with warm weather is the early arrival of winter annuals. Weeds like deadnettle, henbit, and chickweed are already appearing in lawns, which is unusual for this time of year. These weeds are not only unsightly, but they can also compete with your grass for nutrients and water, leading to a thin and patchy lawn.
Another concern with warm weather is the increase in turf insects. With no extended period of time of ground freeze, more insects will survive to be able to reproduce next summer. This can lead to an infestation of your lawn, which can cause damage and weaken the overall health of your grass.
Fungus such as red thread may also be a problem this year. The warm weather can create the perfect conditions for fungus to thrive, leading to discoloration and thinning of your lawn.
Your lawn may also start coming out of dormancy earlier this year due to the warm weather. While this may seem like a positive, it can actually lead to an uneven and splotchy appearance until your lawn receives its first fertilization treatment.
It's important to remember that the blends of grass that we have in our area need the cold months to thrive. The cold weather helps the soil and turf recover from the growing season and allows for the natural breakdown of thatch, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil.
The warm weather has brought new challenges to your lawn this year. Understanding the effects of the warm weather and taking the necessary steps to protect your lawn will ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful throughout the spring and summer seasons. If you have any questions or concerns, our team at Lawn Pro is here to help. If you are a current Lawn Pro customer, have no fear! We are taking this warmer than usual weather into consideration as we plan for the upcoming season. If you are not currently a Lawn Pro customer and have questions or would like to receive a free estimate, you can request a quote here or call our office at 631-473-3396.