Kansas is a beautiful state, boasting rolling hills, vast prairies, and stunning sunsets. But with all this beauty comes the responsibility of keeping our lawns healthy and vibrant. Unfortunately, many problems can plague our Kansas lawns — from insects to disease to drought — so it’s essential to be aware of them and take steps to prevent them.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of some of the most common lawn problems in Kansas and tips on how to tackle them to keep your lawn looking great all year long. Keep on reading!
Problem #1. Drought stress
Kansas is no stranger to dry weather, and extreme drought conditions can devastate your lawn. Given that, such yards are then left with deficient water and hot weather to fight with. Especially with the busy timelines of most lawn owners, it’s easy to forget or overlook the importance of regular watering and how it can influence your lawn’s health.
Solving drought stress
To prevent drought stress, make sure that you water your lawn regularly to keep the soil moist. Also, consider investing in a “smart” irrigation system that will allow you to monitor how much water your lawn is receiving. Additionally, mowing can affect this. If you mow too short, your grass plants don’t have enough leaf surface to absorb the energy from the sun. This reduces the photosynthesis process and can cause drought stress as well.
Problem #2. Insect infestation
Insect infestations are one of the most common lawn problems in Kansas. Common offenders include grubs, armyworms, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. These pests feed on grass stems and roots, causing significant damage and even death to your lawn if left unattended.
Solving insect infestation
The best way to prevent such problems is to maintain a healthy lawn. Make sure to fertilize your property regularly and mow it at the correct height. Additionally, consider using a natural insect repellent such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth to keep pests away from your lawn. Furthermore, contact a pest control specialist immediately for help if you spot any signs of an infestation.
Problem #3. Disease outbreak
Kansas lawns are also prone to disease outbreaks, notably fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and brown patches. These diseases can cause significant damage to your lawn if left unchecked. They can even spread to your entire lawn, jeopardizing your whole landscape.
Solving disease outbreak
To avoid a rampant spread of any disease in your lawn, make sure that you aerate and dethatch yearly. This helps to reduce the thatch layer, which can provide an ideal environment for fungal diseases to grow and spread. Additionally, mow the right way and fertilize your lawn regularly. If you spot any signs of infection in your lawn, contact a yard professional like Heroes Lawn Care in Edwardsville immediately for help, as they have the proper knowledge and tools to handle such.
Problem #4. Good old weeds!
Weeds can be a real nuisance for any lawn owner. These common lawn problems not only look unsightly, but they can also compete with other plants and grasses for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to a decline in the overall health of your turf. Unprevented invasion can even cause damage to your precious plants.
Solving weed invasion problems
Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce weed infestation in your lawn. Make sure to mow regularly, and at the correct height, as this will help choke out any weeds from getting the sunlight they need to thrive. Additionally, apply an organic, pre-emergent herbicide during early spring and late fall to prevent weed germination in your lawn. Finally, if you spot any weeds growing on your property, make sure to pull them out as soon as possible.
Problem #5. Excessive sun exposure
Kansas is known for its long hours of sunshine, and while this can be beneficial for other plants, it can become too much for your lawn. Too much direct sunlight can cause significant stress to the grass leading to brown patches and discoloration.
Solving unnecessary sun exposure
The best way to safeguard your landscape from excessive sunlight is by making sure that you have adequate shade. Consider planting trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your lawn, as this will help reduce sun exposure and cool down the area. Additionally, make sure to water your lawn regularly to provide it with enough moisture and prevent any stress from direct sunlight.
Key takeaway
Common lawn problems in Kansas can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can efficiently address any issue. Make sure to have a healthy lawn by fertilizing and mowing regularly, using natural insect repellents to keep pests away from your turf, aerating and dethatching every year to reduce disease outbreaks, applying organic herbicides to keep weeds at bay, and providing adequate shade to protect your lawn from excessive direct sunlight.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Kansas lawn remains healthy and lovely down the line!
