Liquid Broadleaf Weed Control in June – Due to this spring’s cooler weather, many untreated lawns have developed broadleaf weeds, especially dandelions and clover. From now until the hottest part of summer, conditions are ideal for controlling them. We carry several effective products to help you get the best results. If weeds are widespread, treat the entire lawn; if they are limited to a few areas, spot-treat instead. For best results, apply only when air temperatures are below 85 degrees, rain is not expected, and the lawn has not been mowed for 2 4 hours before or after treatment.
Mowing Lawns in the Summer – Lawns are still growing quickly in late spring, especially as turfgrasses produce abundant seed heads. With overnight temperatures in the 50s and just the right amount of rain, grass growth will remain strong. Mow at least every 5–7 days, keeping the height at a minimum of 3–3 ½ inches. As temperatures rise and conditions become less favorable for cool-season grasses, raise the mower deck to 4–4 ½ inches and reduce mowing to every 7–10 days. Cool-season grasses stop producing roots in warm soil, even when irrigated, so taller grass helps shade and protect the crowns, reducing summer stress.
Fertilizing Lawns in June – After about three months of vigorous growth, lawns have largely used up the fertilizer applied in March and April. The grass is often stressed, especially after prolonged seed head production in May. To encourage new tillers as older ones decline, apply a slow-release, organic-based fertilizer in June. Feeding at this time can also help lawns recover from low-fertility diseases such as red thread and dollar spot as summer begins.
Yellow Nutsedge Control in Lawns and Beds – Yellow nutsedge is a yellow-green, fast-growing, shallow-rooted weed—technically a sedge, not a grass—that thrives in warm weather, especially in moist lawn areas and well-watered, mulched beds. If it is not controlled early by pulling or spraying, it can spread aggressively throughout lawns and planting beds. It begins emerging in mid- to late May and continues through summer. For best results, spot-treat it as soon as it appears with EMPERO, SEDGE ENDER, or Trimec Platinum. We recommend keeping a DEDICATED sprayer filled and ready for weekly spot treatments so you can target new growth promptly. With consistent early treatment, you can greatly reduce nutsedge; without it, the problem can quickly get out of hand. Start early and continue as new shoots appear.
Preventative Grub Control with Granular MALLET Insecticide – White grubs are the larval stage of Japanese beetles. Adult Japanese beetles emerge from grassy areas in late June and feed on the leaves of desirable trees, shrubs and roses for roughly 6 weeks. While they are annoying and disfigure many of the plants they feed on, they seldom kill them. Grubs, on the other hand, feed on grass roots from late summer (mid-August) through mid-fall (October). Grubs can devastate whole lawns or significant parts thereof if left uncontrolled. Since they feed below ground on turf roots, the first sign of damage is dying turf, and then it’s too late. The safest and best way to make sure you’ll have no grub problems is to treat the lawn every spring (mid-May through mid-July) with granular MALLET/MERIT insecticide (sold either in combination with slow-release fertilizer or alone). This safe and effective, season-long product should be applied to all lawns every year.
Controlling Fleas, Ticks and other unwanted Pests – Fleas, ticks, ants and other unwanted pests can really spoil our backyard fun. One treatment of BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer (available in granules or hose end sprayer) will keep your yard free of these nasty pests for up to 3 months. Treat now and rest easy knowing that you and your family are protected.
Post-Emergent Crabgrass Control – Those of you who didn’t apply DIMENSION Pre-emergent crabgrass control this spring, may notice areas of crabgrass spreading through sunny sections of your lawns in June and July. If you missed the window for pre-emergent crabgrass control, rest assured that we have you covered. The Lawn Depot sells several very effective liquid POST-EMERGENCE CRABGRASS CONTROL sprays that can be used as either a spot spray or for general, whole-lawn use. It’s easy to use and very effective.