Midwest Lawn-Care Tips
Living in the Midwest means you (and your lawn) experience a wide variety of weather conditions—extremely cold winters and humid summers. This can cause significant damage to your lawn.
The Sub-Regions of the Midwest
The Midwest can be sub-divided into two zones: East and West of the Mississippi River. More precipitation falls in the Eastern region, about 20–45 inches annually; whereas west of the Mississippi River receives less than 25 inches of rain annually, with it becoming drier the farther West one goes.
Types of Turf by Subregion
Both the Eastern and Western subregions of the Midwest predominantly contain Bluegrasses, Ryegrasses Fescues and Bentgrasses. In the drier Western subregion, supplemental irrigation may be necessary to maintain the highest quality turf. In the Southern portions of both the arid and humid regions (MO, KS, and KY), Tall Fescues, Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass may be employed for more heat and drought tolerance.
Soil types also vary in the Midwest due to its history of experiencing significant glaciation. You'll find loam, clay, sand, and even gravel soils throughout the Midwest.
Common Insects & Turf Diseases
It is not uncommon to encounter insect problems in a Midwestern lawn, including both surface feeders and sub-surface feeders. Sub-surface feeders include Grubs (the larvae of various beetles), Billbugs and Sod Webworms. Surface feeders include Chinch Bugs and Mites. The Winter Grain Mite is observed predominantly West of the Mississippi River. Unchecked, any of these insect pests can cause significant damage to turf.
Due to the frequently changing environmental conditions in the Midwest, turf diseases can adversely affect the health and appearance of lawns. Some turf diseases that affect lawns in this region include Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Dollar Spot, Rust, Patch diseases, Necrotic Ring Spot, and Pythium Blight. Proper cultural practices such as core aeration, proper watering, and proper mowing habits can go a long way to controlling the spread of turf diseases.
Occasionally, disease treatments are necessary. DeVries Landscape Management can help—call us today to set up an appointment!