Lawn Care in Chicago, IL: What You Need To Know

Comprising 77 community areas and more than 100 neighborhoods, the Windy City has a ton of lawns in need of care! Since Chicago has both extremely hot and extremely cold weather patterns, timing is everything when it comes to lawn care. If you’re living in the Chicago area, here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your lawn. [su_button url=”https://app.lawnguru.co/register#!/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=button_cta&utm_campaign=lawn_care_in_chicago_what_you_need_to_know” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#99CA3C” size=”20″ center=”yes”]Get A Quote![/su_button]

Lawn Tips For Chicago-area Homeowners

Overseeding and Fertilizing in the Fall

After a particularly hot and humid summer, you may notice patches of brown in your lawn. If the brown patches are small, consider using a slow-release fertilizer to help the existing grass fill up those holes. Chicago soil is usually rich in potassium and phosphorus, so look for fertilizers with more nitrogen, instead. If the brown patches in your lawn are larger than 3 inches across, overseeding is a good way to fill up the empty spots. Bare patches in your lawn can be susceptible to weeds, so it’s best to patch up those spots before winter. That way, your lawn will be protected, requiring less maintenance when spring rolls around!

Best Grasses to Plant in Chicago, IL

Tall fescues and bentgrass are popular breeds of turfgrass throughout most of Illinois but are not the best in terms of caring and maintenance in Chicago. In fact, while tall fescues are good in drought and heat, they are not as tolerant of the cold as bluegrass. Bentgrass, on the other hand, is a popular choice for the 580 parks in Chicago but is more labor-intensive, and thus, less desirable for the homeowner’s lawn. As mentioned earlier, Chicago has both cold winters and hot, humid summers. It’s a good idea to consider planting blends that have different types of grasses that can withstand both types of weather challenges, rather than just using one type of grass. If you’re a homeowner in Chicago trying to improve your lawn, consider the following types:

• Perennial Ryegrass
• Kentucky Bluegrass
• Fine Fescues

Monitor for Pests

Chicago lawns have their own set of pests that are more common to the region. Common bugs and pests include:

• Sod webworms
• Northern mole crickets
• White grubs
• Chinch bugs

It’s wise to monitor pests within your lawn from June through August. However, some Chicago pests, such as sod webworms and white grubs, are more prevalent from mid-August through September. Treating pests in your lawn is very important, and not just because it keeps your grass healthy or improves your curb appeal! Not only do the actual pests dig through your lawn and eat the roots, but other predatory critters, such as raccoons, will come to snack on the pests and further disturb your yard! To avoid the headache altogether, observe regularly and treat for pests at the first sign.

Call LawnGuru!

Chicago is known for having heavy and snowy winters, as well as hot, humid summers. This can create extra work, which is why you should consider LawnGuru when it comes to maintaining your lawn. LawnGuru will handle your routine lawn maintenance, so you don’t have to! Ordering these services for your home has never been easier! With our easy and ready-to-go app, you can sign up, trace your property with our handy tracing tool, and request the ideal service all in under 10 minutes. Try LawnGuru today! [su_button url=”https://app.lawnguru.co/register#!/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=button_cta&utm_campaign=lawn_care_in_chicago_what_you_need_to_know” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#99CA3C” size=”20″ center=”yes”]Get A Quote![/su_button]