Explore helpful resources for common lawn care topics — everything from grass types to weeds to diseases to pests.
Lawn Diseases
Turf Grasses
Lawn Pests
Grass Basics
Grassy Weeds
Broadleaf Weeds
Common Lawn Diseases
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew - Erysiphe graminis
Powdery Mildew
For shaded lawns and landscaping, Powdery Mildew is a common lawn disease that primarily affects lawns in the northern United States from April through October.
Stripe Smut is a lawn disease that occurs during cooler weather and is more common in the northern parts of the country during the spring and fall. Caused by the lawn fungus Ustilago striiformis, this lawn disease may also show up in southern states during parts of the summer or anywhere during long periods of cool weather in the spring or fall.
Slime Mold is caused by thelawn fungus Mucilago spp. This nonparasitic lawn disease affects all types of warm- and cool-season grasses across the mainland of the United States, with damage typically occ+C14+C15
Summer Patch is a lawn disease that occurs during warm weather and attacks lawns all across the United States. A frequent bane of warmer climate regions, Summer Patch is caused by the lawn fungus Magnaporthe poae and is often associated with shallow root systems due to poor soil conditions.
Stripe Smut is a lawn disease that occurs during cooler weather and is more common in the northern parts of the country during the spring and fall. Caused by the lawn fungus Ustilago striiformis, this lawn disease may also show up in southern states during parts of the summer or anywhere during long periods of cool weather in the spring or fall.
St. Augustine Decline is a lawn disease found only along the Gulf Coast of the United States where nonresistant species of St. Augustinegrass grow. Lawn damage caused by St. Augustine Decline can occur year-round in these areas and is caused by a virus.
Spring Dead Spot - Ophiosphaerella korrae and Ophiosphaerella herpotricha
Spring Dead Spot
Spring Dead Spot is a lawn disease that commonly affects Bermudagrass in the southern parts of the United States. Caused by various lawn fungi, damage typically occurs from spring through early summer.
Slime Mold is caused by thelawn fungus Mucilago spp. This nonparasitic lawn disease affects all types of warm- and cool-season grasses across the mainland of the United States, with damage typically occ+C14+C15
Rust is a lawn disease that affects many different types of grass across the United States. Rust is caused by the lawn fungus Puccinia spp., and damage is most common during the summer and fall months.
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is a planthopper insect known for causing significant damage to trees, vines, crops, and other types of plants. SLF is also a nuisance pest due to their size and tendency to congregate in large groups, which can be alarming to the general public. Also known as Lycorma delicatula, this invasive species is native to China, India, and Vietnam and was first detected in the United States in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014.
The Brood X Cicada, often referred to as the 17-year locust or periodical cicada, is an insect that emerges in large numbers after completing a 17-year life cycle underground. Cicadas are part of the hemiptera order of insects also known as ‘true bugs’. Most damage done by these insects is by slitting and flagging of twigs in order to deposit eggs. This generally has little effect on the overall health of mature trees. Brood X contains three separate species known as Magicicada septendecim, Magicicada cassinii and Magicicada septendecula. The next emerging population is expected in summer of 2021, affecting primarily eastern and upper Midwestern states.
White Grubs are an extremely common type of lawn-destroying insect that includes a number of different species. Also known as Scleranthus annuus, White Grubs can be found in all different types of grasses all across North America. Eventually, these lawn pests become beetles.
The Red Imported Fire Ant, also known as Solenopsis invictaor RIFA, is a toxic, highly aggressive lawn pest that feeds on other insects. They are also known for occasionally biting and stinging people. Red Imported Fire Ants can be found throughout much of the southeastern United States. Although they don't feed on grass, they still sometimes act as lawn-damaging insects.
The Greenbug Aphid is a lawn-damaging insect that primarily attacks Kentucky Bluegrass, but can sometimes be found on Annual Bluegrass, Canada Bluegrass, Chewings Fescue and Tall Fescue. Also known as Schizaphis graminum, this lawn pest can infest most parts of North America and is often more of a problem in healthy lawns.
The Southern Chinch Bug is a unique lawn-damaging insect that changes colors, sizes and marking throughout each nymph stage. Also known as Blissus insularis, this lawn pest is typically found in the southeastern part of the United States attacking St. Augustinegrass, but is also occasionally found in Zoysiagrass, Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass and Centipedegrass.
The Green June Beetle is a fairly large lawn-damaging insect that attacks many different types of grass from New York to Texas and parts of California. Also known as Cotinis nitida, most of the damage caused by this grub occurs during September and early October.
The Sting Nematode is a microscopic roundworm that primarily affects Bermudagrass and Bentgrasses in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Also known as Belonolaimus spp., this lawn pest prefers moist, sandy soils.
The Japanese Beetle is a very common lawn pest that can be found in many different types of grasses all throughout the eastern part of the United States and as far west as Nebraska. Also known as Popillia japonica, the grub stage of this lawn-damaging insect draws predators who can also damage lawns.
Annual Bluegrass is an annual grassy weed that is also known as Annual Meadowgrass, Annual Spear-grass, Wintergrass, "Poa" or its scientific name, Poa annua.
What is Doveweed (Murdannia Nudiflora) - Murdannia nudiflora
What is Doveweed (Murdannia Nudiflora)
Doveweed is a summer annual grassy weed that is also known as Naked Stem Dewflower, or by its scientific name, Murdannia nudiflora. This lawn weed is a common invader of home yards.
Egyptian Crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed that is also known as Crowfootgrass, Durban Crowfootgrass or by its scientific name, Dactyloctenium aegyptium. This lawn weed is named for its crow's foot-like seed head.
Johnsongrass is a perennial grassy weed that is also known by its scientific name, Sorghum halepense. This problematic lawn weed is capable of growing to considerable heights and reproduces rapidly.
Surinam Sedge is a perennial grassy weed that is also known as Tropical Flatsedge or by its scientific name, Cyperus surinamensis. While there is a difference between grass and sedge, when it comes to unwanted lawn weeds, getting rid of them is what really matters.
Nimblewill is a perennial grass that is also known by its scientific name, Muhlenbergia schreberi. This shade-loving grassy weed can become an aggressive lawn weed in undesired areas.
Texas Sedge is a summer annual grassy weed that is also known as Mangspike Flatsedge or by its scientific name, Carex texensis. This lawn weed can thrive in dry, moist or wet, sandy soils.
Orchardgrass is a perennial grassy weed that is also known as Cocksfoot, Cock's Foot or by its scientific name, Dactylis glomerata. When left unchecked, this lawn weed can grow 15 to 18 inches tall.
Timothy is a perennial grass that can also be considered a lawn weed in low-maintenance turf areas. This part-time grassy weed is also known as Herd's Grass or by its scientific name, Phleum pratense.
Tropical Chickweed is a warm-season annual broadleaf weed that is also known as Heartleaf Drymary and West Indian Chickweed. Its scientific name is Drymaria cordata.
Virginia Peppergrass can grow either as a winter or summer annual broadleaf weed. This versatile plant is also commonly known as Virginia Pepperweed, Virginia Peppercress, Poor-man’s Pepper and Pepper-grass. Its scientific name is Lepidium virginicum.
Filaree can grow as either a winter annual broadleaf weed or a biennial broadleaf weed. This versatile plant is also sometimes referred to as Redstem Filaree, Common Storksbill, Heronsbill, Alfilaria, Pin-weed and Pin-grass.
Large Hop Clover is a winter annual broadleaf weed that is also commonly known as Field Clover, Pinnate Hop Clovers or by its scientific name, Trifolium campestre.
Virginia Peppergrass can grow either as a winter or summer annual broadleaf weed. This versatile plant is also commonly known as Virginia Pepperweed, Virginia Peppercress, Poor-man’s Pepper and Pepper-grass. Its scientific name is Lepidium virginicum.
Our experts really know their stuff. They can help you pick a plan, tailor it to your needs, and give you a quote based on your property’s size and location.
Let’s talk lawn.
Before we chat, we need some info to get the ball rolling.
* Required Information
Thanks! We'll be in touch.
One of our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
US/EN
CA/EN
Branch Finder
