Author: Wendy Holtz

How Can I Prepare for Mosquito Season Before May?

Is your yard ready for mosquito season? As temperatures rise and heavy rains arrive, it not only indicates the start of spring but also mosquito season. While these pesky, potentially dangerous insects are a year-round problem in Florida, they become especially active in May. While eliminating mosquitoes from your property is never a DIY job, here are some simple steps you can take to keep them from breeding near your home.

Floridians Must Stay on Top of Mosquito Season

Florida is home to more than 80 species of mosquitoes, each with their own unique behavior and characteristics. One thing all mosquitoes share, though, is their long, blood-sucking nose that can be the source of so many infectious pathogens, including:

  • Chikungunya virus that causes fever; headaches; and joint and muscle pain.
  • Dengue that causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and more symptoms.
  • West Nile virus that causes body aches, fever, nausea, and—in severe cases—paralysis
  • Zika Virus that causes fever, headaches, joint pain, and more and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it causes birth defects

Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Mosquitoes in Florida: How to Prevent an Invasion

Remove Standing Water

Any standing water on your property is an open invitation for mosquitoes to breed. Water can quickly build up in your yard thanks to heavy spring rains, so look for and remove any standing water in trash can lids, bird baths, and other likely areas. 

Also, ensure any outdoor faucets aren’t leaking and creating puddles—even the smallest amount of stagnant water allows mosquitoes to breed. Remember that any water left standing for over 7 days is fair game.

Clean Drains and Gutters

Mosquitoes can breed in even tiny amounts of standing water, so it’s important to remove any possible sources of standing water. As part of your spring cleaning, clean all drains and gutters that could have collected debris over the winter. Ensure all drain areas and gutters allow water to flow freely away from your home.

Maintain Your Yard

As you’re trying to prevent mosquito breeding areas in your yard, consider filling in any dips in your yard that are prone to creating puddles during rainy weather. If you have any water features in your landscaping, consider installing bubblers to keep the water moving and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. 

Learn More: How Can I Control Mosquitoes at an Outdoor Event?

Mosquito Control Isn’t a DIY Job in Florida

As we approach May, Floridians need to be well-prepared for the onset of mosquito season. These little pests not only cause itchy bites, but they can also carry dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. It takes the help of pest control professionals to ensure your property stays mosquito-free through May and beyond. 

Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary helps protect your family—including your pets—by providing eco-friendly mosquito control. From one-time mosquito control applications for special events to year-round treatments, we help you make the most of your outdoor spaces with complete peace of mind. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free consultation!

Does St. Augustine Grass Reseed Itself?

Over time, all lawns require some attention and rejuvenation to maintain their health and beauty. This holds true for any grass variety, including St. Augustine grass. If you’ve noticed that your St. Augustine lawn has developed bare spots, thatch buildup, or unsightly brown patches, it’s time to invest in lawn repair. But how do you do that? While some grass can reseed itself, St. Augustine grass cannot. Here’s what you need to know. 

St. Augustine Grass Doesn’t Reseed Itself

When it comes to renovating St. Augustine grass, sod and stolons are the go-to options. This warm-season grass doesn’t reseed itself and isn’t propagated by seed, so vegetative propagation is the only way to go. 

The process involves using creeping stolons that emerge from either St. Augustine plugs or sod. With proper care and attention, these stolons will establish themselves and grow into a lush, healthy lawn. Keep in mind that St. Augustine grass requires plenty of water and nutrients to thrive, so it’s important to provide regular and consistent maintenance. Overall, renovating St. Augustine grass with sod or stolons is a reliable and effective way to achieve a beautiful, vibrant lawn.

Learn More: Which Lawn Should I Choose for My Yard? (Zoysia, Bahia, St. Augustine)

Caring for St. Augustine Grass Lawns

St. Augustine grass is typically considered a high-maintenance turfgrass–but its dense, green beauty is well worth the effort. By partnering with the right lawn care service provider, you can ensure your new St. Augustine grass lawn grows quickly and healthily, adding instant appeal to your landscaping. Here’s how to care for your new lawn:

  • St. Augustine grass lawns are hungry, and it’s critically important to fertilize the right way in its early stages of growth. The lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control will apply an eco-friendly fertilizer within the first few months of growth, along with spring and mid-summer fertilization.
  • The proper height of your new lawn depends on its sun exposure. If your grass gets full sun, mow to maintain a height of one inch. For lawns with more shade, mow to maintain a height of three inches.
  • Lawns that have been weakened due to insects or environmental conditions are often prone to weeds. Your lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control will apply eco-friendly pre-emergent weed control products to combat annual weeds. 

Learn More: 4 Essential Tips for Zoysia/St. Augustine Lawn Care in 2023

Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control Can Restore Your St. Augustine Grass Lawn

Ready to renovate your St. Augustine grass lawn? Experts including the University of Florida, suggest the ideal method for renovating St. Augustine grass is through sod or stolons. With their fast and effective growth, these two methods ensure a healthy and beautiful lawn without the hassle of planting seeds.

When you’re ready to transform your lawn, call the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Orlando. We’ll restore your lawn through sod or stolons and implement a customized treatment plan that encourages fast, healthy growth. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation!

Our Guide for Deciding What Kind of Grass You Want for Your Lawn

Choosing the right type of grass for your lawn can be confusing, especially in a place like Florida where the climate can be challenging. Before planting, it’s important to consider important factors like the area’s conditions, irrigation options, and soil pH levels—making the wrong choice can lead to headaches and wasted time and money.

To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this guide to provide you with professional advice on selecting the perfect grass for your lawn. Keep reading to learn more about grass types that are best suited for Florida’s climate and conditions.

The Best Grass to Grow in Florida

Choosing the right grass for your Florida lawn ultimately depends on what area you’re in and how you plan to use your outdoor space. If you have active children who will be running around and playing outside year-round, then selecting a sturdy grass type that can handle high levels of foot traffic is important. On the other hand, if lawn maintenance isn’t exactly your favorite weekend task, then a slower-growing grass type may be your best bet.

Rather than leaving it to guesswork, talk to your lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control to determine which grass type is best for your yard. We’ll consider factors like your soil, sun exposure, moisture levels, and the extent of maintenance you want to perform to select the best grass type for your lawn. Here’s an introduction to the most common grass types we recommend:

St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass may just be the perfect choice for those looking to establish a healthy, lush lawn in Florida. This versatile grass is able to withstand the heat, drought, and salt so often found in the Sunshine State, and it grows quickly with above-ground runners.

While it does require regular mowing once established, the payoff is well worth it. However, it’s important to note that St. Augustine grass prefers sunny spots and is not as resistant to pests as other types of grass. Still, with its pretty blue-green hue and ability to adapt to almost any type of soil, St. Augustine is certainly worth considering for your lawn.

Learn More: What Is the Best Type of Grass for Central Florida?

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is a remarkable type of grass in many ways. This shade of greenish-grey plant has a distinct rough edge to its short grass blades, making it visually appealing for Florida lawns. Bermuda grass also is unique in its ability to send roots deep down into the soil, which makes it resistant to drought and creates a durable surface for high-traffic areas.

Remember, though, that Bermuda grass can be invasive and difficult to control. Its ability to grow quickly and its dislike for shade and cooler temperatures make it a force to be reckoned with. So, while Bermuda grass might be an excellent choice for your lawn, proper care and attention must be given to keep its spread in check.

Zoysiagrass

Zoysiagrass is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance yard. With its medium to dark green color, Zoysiagrass thrives in both sunny and shady yards, making it an incredibly versatile option. Its slow-growing nature means that mowing won’t be a frequent necessity, which is ideal for those who don’t love spending their weekends tending to the lawn. Zoysiagrass is also tough, meaning it can handle plenty of foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.

Learn More: Zoysiagrass Pros and Cons You’ll Want to Know

Discover the Best Grass Type for Your Florida Lawn

Need help finding the best grass type for your lawn? The lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control—Apopka are standing by to help! We’ll perform an evaluation of your yard, considering environmental conditions, foot traffic, maintenance concerns, and more, so you can make the best choice for your yard. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free consultation!

5 Tips for a Pest-Free Florida Lawn This Spring

Lawn pests are notorious throughout Florida, especially in the spring as the weather gets warmer. From chinch bugs to ticks, billbugs to fire ants, lawn pests not only have the potential to ruin your landscape, but they can also harm both people and pets. Here are our top five tips to ensure your Florida lawn stays pest-free this spring.

1. Declutter and Dethatch Your Lawn

As temperatures start climbing and plants start blooming, it’s time to give your lawn a spring cleaning. Declutter your yard to remove any potential habitats for pests and remove animal droppings, twigs, and any other debris that’s collected in your lawn over the winter.

You should also dethatch your lawn to prevent both lawn pests and fungus during the spring and summer. Rake your yard vigorously to pull up any dead leaves and dried grass clumps. Florida’s high humidity levels can lead to mildew growth in dense foliage in the lawn, and dethatching breaks these piles down to the soil, allowing air to circulate and encouraging new grass growth. 

Learn More: What Are Grubs and How Can I Keep Them Away From My Lawn?

2. Prevent Invasive Weeds

One of the best ways to keep your lawn lush, green, and pest-free is by getting ahead of potential weeds by applying a pre-emergent weed control product. Rather than leaving it to guesswork, call the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control. 

We apply eco-friendly pre-emergents that are best suited to your grass type and any potential weeds that could take root and attract pests. By keeping weeds out of your lawn, you strengthen your grass and plants, making them more resilient against both diseases and pests.

3. Mow Regularly

While few homeowners enjoy mowing, keeping your lawn trimmed and tidy not only affects its appearance, but it also prevents pest infestations. Pests love to hide out in long, unkempt grass. By mowing your grass to an appropriate height, you’ll make your lawn much more challenging for pests to settle in. Need help understanding what grass height is ideal for your lawn? Just ask your lawn care expert at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control for guidance.

4. Address Moisture Issues

Most pests thrive in damp, moist areas—that’s why they’re drawn to Florida lawns that are frequently wet. Fix any overflowing gutters and leaky irrigation systems that may be causing moisture to collect in areas of your yard. You should also avoid overwatering your grass. 

In the spring, you should water two days per week and between ½-inch and ¾-inch per session. It’s also best to water in the morning so that the grass has time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day hits. 

Learn More: The Ultimate Seasonal Guide to Florida Pests

5. Schedule a Spring Lawn Care Inspection Today

The best way to ensure your Florida lawn stays pest-free this spring—and beyond—is to schedule a spring lawn inspection with the lawn care experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Leesburg. We’ll check your grass for pests and fungus conditions, helping you nip any issues in the bud before they become even more challenging to conquer in the summer. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 to schedule your free lawn evaluation!

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