We all know how unpredictable the Texas weather can be, which leaves homeowners on their toes as to what is going to happen next. Typically, it can be very hot and dry from April until as late as November, and of course that is what we’d normally expect. So, how prepared are you for this recent rainy season? Rain water is very positive for your lawn, from watering to fertilization, but it can also invite pesky guests, like fire ants, that you do not want in your yard. Let’s tackle helpful tips for your lawn during these upcoming wet months…
Fertilization is a vital step in keeping your lawn healthy, growing, and green. It’s essential to fertilize your lawn at least 4-5 times a year if you want your grass to reach its true potential. When it comes to fertilization and watering, they go hand and hand. Water is needed to activate fertilizers such as granular, however liquid fertilizers can do without.
It is a good idea to check your weather report for rain; if the weather reports it will rain within 24 hours, it is time to fertilize your lawn before the rain touches down. An hour before suspected rainfall will do the trick for average sized lawns. If your lawn is fairly large, however, preparing 2 hours before will be a good idea. Fertilizing your lawn may take some time and you want to give yourself an opportunity to thoroughly fertilize.
Always follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging! Too much fertilizer can burn your grass as well as connect to local water ways, thus polluting the water…and we don’t want that! If it does not rain within a 12-hour span after you finished your fertilizing process, begin to water your lawn yourself to avoid your grass getting burned. Be sure to check your grass after it rains to see if the granules have been eliminated, if not, then provide your lawn with another layer of water to complete the process. If it will resume raining this won’t be necessary.
Rain can bring your lawn happiness this Spring, but if you’re a proud Texan, you also know it can invite some unwelcomed guests – fire ants. Not everything is where the eye can see, in this case fire ant colonies. Fire ants stay away from heat and drought, and find comfort in your very own lawn, underground where there is moisture and cooler temperatures.
They’ll even invade your home searching for food and water, a nuisance by far, especially when you have little ones running around. As soon as sufficient rainfall pours are when things get serious. Fire ants begin to build their mound above ground and begin expanding. Little did you know, this is exactly the time to fight back! Insecticides are rarely effective during heat and drought, however after it rains, eureka! It is best to set your fire ant traps as soon as they become visible. Sure enough, your insecticide traps should be set when it isn’t expected for rain to fall, most effectively in the late afternoon and or early evening, so it can avoid being spoiled by the sun. For the best results, apply your insecticides when it isn’t expected for rain to fall. This is when your grass lacks dew and won’t be affected by irrigation. These little pests won’t even expect what is to come, and your lawn and happiness will definitely thank you in return!
If you would like to consult with one of our experts, contact us at (972)291-8216 or (817)293-LAWN, and our family will be glad to guide you through what’s best for your lawn!