Spring, as we normally know it, is finally in full swing! Mother Nature took her time deciding what to do this April — maybe she didn’t have spring fever like the rest of us. But at last, she came to her senses and delivered the warmer temps and much-needed rains we’ve all been waiting for.
Winter Kill – What Happened?
Many of you have reached out to us about bare spots showing up in your lawns this spring, especially under trees. Our suspicions have now been confirmed by the Iowa State Extension — we experienced a rare and unfortunate case of winter kill.
Here’s what happened:
- We had consecutive dry falls, weakening the turfgrass.
- Trees absorbed much of the remaining water and nutrients in the soil.
- A lack of snow cover during winter meant there was no natural insulation.
- As a result, certain grass species didn’t survive, leaving bare patches.
We’re hopeful that much of this will bounce back soon with the improving weather and at this time seeding shouldn’t be needed. If you choose to seed these areas it should be ok to do so through May 15th. Please remember to use a blend with bluegrass as the majority species. If we have already used pre-emergent on the areas you can break the barrier by disturbing at least an inch of the topsoil.
Growth & Recovery
Growth has been slow this spring, delaying natural recovery from winter damage. Cold soil temperatures have left many plants “confused” — not fully growing yet, and therefore not developing strong root systems.
But the good news? Recent rains and warmer temperatures in the forecast should give everything the push it needs and bring visible improvements across the board!
Mowing & Trimming Tips
As you dust off your mower for the season, keep these healthy lawn habits in mind:
- Mow high – Set your mower to at least 3.5 inches or higher if possible.
- Sharpen blades – Start the season with freshly sharpened blades. Dull blades tear instead of cut, causing stress and making your grass more vulnerable to pests and disease.
- Follow the 1/3 Rule – Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height in one mowing.
- Trim evenly – Try to match your trimming height with your mowing height. Avoid “scalping” the turf, which stresses plants and encourages weed growth.
Grub Control
We’ve seen some first-cycle grubs recently — this is totally normal for this time of year. We typically don’t see large amounts of damage from the first-cycle grubs. Our current applications are aimed at preventing the more damaging fall cycle, so your lawn will be protected for the future.
What’s That Grass?
If you’re seeing awkward or unfamiliar grasses, don’t worry — it’s not crabgrass. In our region, crabgrass typically won’t germinate for another 2–3 months.
What you’re seeing is likely tall fescue or quackgrass. Unfortunately, there are no safe products currently on the market that effectively target these species. Options for removal include hand pulling or use of a non-selective herbicide, which is the only chemical option for these types of grasses and would require seeding after use.
questions, comments, or concerns? don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
A Final Note of Thanks
We truly appreciate your support and patience over the past month. Competing with Mother Nature isn’t easy, and April definitely tested us. But we’re optimistic that the worst is behind us, and with some patience and care, we’ll soon see your lawns thriving once again.
