Believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. As we flip the calendar to August and start looking forward to cooler nights and crisp Midwest weather, let’s talk about the current condition of our lawns, what to expect, and how you can help build the healthiest turf possible.
July Recap: Heat, Humidity & Rainfall
July brought us hot, humid days and above-average rainfall. While rain is usually welcomed — especially in summer — it’s always best in moderation. Excess moisture combined with heat can increase stress and add disease pressure on cool-season grasses.
Despite the challenges of summer, our turf has held up exceptionally well. Some minor leaf disease may appear, but it’s only cosmetic and will clear up on its own. Fortunately, we’ve seen little to no sign of the more serious root issues that require treatment.
Round 3 Applications Are Underway
Late summer treatments are in progress, and we’re excited about the benefits this application will bring. Here’s what’s included:
- Slow-release nutrients for long-lasting health
- A touch of quick-release fertilizer for a green-up boost
- Humic and fulvic acid to improve soil biology
The Secret to a Healthy Lawn Starts Below the Surface
Healthy soil is the backbone of any great lawn — just like a sturdy house needs a strong foundation. Even if your soil is packed with nutrients, your grass won’t benefit unless those nutrients are available in a form the roots can absorb.
That’s where humic and fulvic acid make a big difference. These natural compounds help improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and unlock nutrients that might otherwise stay trapped in the soil. The result? Stronger, healthier turf that stands up better to stress and looks great all season long.
This round also includes a specialized weed control tailored for late summer. It targets summer annuals like crabgrass and foxtail with a different formulation than what we use in spring or fall — helping reduce resistance and improve results.
Crabgrass Alert
We’re starting to see crabgrass and foxtail along driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas. This is normal — those areas heat up more due to sun reflection, raising soil temperatures and stressing the turf.
Keep in mind:
- Spring pre-emergent treatments begin to wear off around early August
- Crabgrass thrives in hot, bare, or thin areas
- As soil temps drop in late summer, these annuals will naturally die off
We’ll spot-treat these weeds during the late summer visit, but once crabgrass matures, it becomes harder to control completely. Still, we’ll do our best to knock it back.
Time to Schedule Aeration & OVERSEEDING
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to schedule your core aeration. It’s one of the best services you can give your lawn, improving root growth, oxygen flow, and nutrient uptake.
We also offer a soil conditioner service that can be applied during aeration. This includes:
- Products that will replenish soil organic matter, increase nutrient holding capacity
- Biochar, a carbon-rich additive that improves soil structure and retains nutrients
This is especially helpful for newer lawns or areas with poor soil. We’ve seen great results and highly recommend it.
We’ll begin overseeding this month as soon as soil temperatures are ideal — but only in conjunction with core aeration. Aeration creates the perfect condition for seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for successful germination.
Overseeding alongside aeration is one of the most effective ways to keep your lawn thick, healthy, and resilient. It introduces improved grass varieties that are more tolerant of stress, disease, and extreme weather than older ones. It’s also a great way to repair thin or bare areas and promote a fuller, more uniform lawn.
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR AERATION AND OVERSEEDING TODAY!
THANK YOU
We want to thank all of you for your continued support and trust. Each year brings its own challenges, but we love meeting them head-on and working to give you the best lawn possible. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to help.
Here’s to healthy turf and a beautiful end to summer!
