Investing in landscaping and other lawn services can be costly. Many common lawn damaging insects and weeds can rapidly overtake your grass and other plants, causing significant damage to your lawn and making it much harder to maintain. Understanding the lawn damaging insects in your area that pose a threat to your lawn helps you better care for and invest in your lawn. This knowledge can save you a significant amount of time and money in the long run. 

Many lawn diseases are often a result of the presence of a certain type or varieties of fungus that use your grass as a food source. This can lead to things such as unseemly brown patches, shredded or shriveled grass blades, or even overall stunted growth. These fungi may vary by region. For example, in arid areas such as Southern California and the Mountain states, Brown Patch is very uncommon; however, it is found virtually everywhere else across the United States. Some other conditions caused by fungus are Dollar Spot disease and Red Thread disease. A lawn that is under the threat of these diseases has reduced resilience and is more susceptible to further damage from weeds and pests.

Another contributor to lawn damage is the presence of invasive weed species. Common weeds found across North America include Crabgrass, Creeping Charlie, Canada Thistle, Dandelion, and Plantains. Some of these plants were originally introduced as a source of livestock feed but over time have spread out of control. Others such as the dandelion may have been used at one time as folk medicine. No matter the original intent for these plants being introduced, they generally exert a negative effect when it comes to your lawn and garden.

Lawns are constantly under threat, not just from weeds and diseases, but also with the presence of lawn damaging insects and their larvae. In some cases, the primary damage may come in the form of these insects eating away at grass or the leaves of shrubs. Alternatively, grub worms or insect larvae may be present at the root level, destroying the vital nutritional support system of your grasses and plants.

Considering how quickly pest and weed populations can multiply, being proactive in preventing and treating these conditions is crucial. TruGreen® lawn service plans can help you prevent problems before they begin to take control of your lawn. Degenerative conditions can quickly lead to other related problems, too. For example, as lawn conditions deteriorate, certain species may look elsewhere for food or shelter—including your home. Furthermore, the presence of invasive plant and animal species in burgeoning numbers may prove harmful to pets and children.

Professional lawn services like pest control and weed control can help ensure that your lawn stays green and healthy all year long. TruGreen offers a variety of solutions for properly caring for and protecting your lawn. Their knowledgeable, PhD-certified lawn care experts can evaluate the unique circumstances of your lawn and recommend a course of action best suited for your lawn’s specific needs.

To schedule a consultation with one of TruGreen’s PhD-certified specialists, call 866.688.6722 or visit TruGreen.com. You’ll be on your way achieving a lawn you’ll love. For more helpful information on lawn care, visit the learning center at TruGreen.com/learning-center. You can also connect with TruGreen on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.