Summer is a season of growth and beauty in the yard, but it may also include a host of pests and diseases that can harm plants, lawns, and even structures. Understanding some common summer pests and diseases can help you know what to watch for when monitoring the health of a landscape.
Several Pests to be aware of include:
- Mosquitoes, Ticks & Japanese Beetles are pests which can transmit diseases or cause damage to landscape plants
- Eliminate standing water and plant mosquito-repellent plants like citronella and lavender; Keep grass and shrubs trimmed, Create barriers with wood chips or gravel; Handpick beetles and drop them into soapy water, use traps, or apply neem oil or insecticidal sprays.
- Grubs, White, C-shaped larvae of various beetles found in the soil, feed on grass roots causing brown patches and spongy turf that can be easily pulled up
- Apply beneficial nematodes or grub-control products, and maintain healthy lawn care practices to reduce grub infestations
- Cinch Bugs, small, black bugs with white wings which feed on grass, causing yellow or brown patches that can die off in severe infestations
- Maintain proper lawn care, use insecticidal soap or appropriate insecticides, and water the lawn adequately.
- Powdery Mildew, white, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and flowers, causes leaves to yellow, curl and drop prematurely reducing plant vigor
- Ensure good air circulation, water plants at the base, and apply fungicides if necessary.
- Lawn Rust, orange or yellow powdery spores on grass blades, causes grass to weaken and turn yellow or brown, reducing overall lawn health
- Water and fertilize the lawn properly, mow regularly, and apply fungicides if needed
- Leaf Spot, small, dark spots on leaves that can merge and cause significant damage, can lead to leaf drop and weakened plants, particularly in ornamental trees and shrubs
- Remove and destroy affected leaves, water at the base, and apply fungicides as needed.
- Root Rot, plants exhibit stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting despite adequate water. Roots appear brown and mushy; plants weaken and will lead to death if not managed
- Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides to treat affected plants
- Anthracnose, dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits of various plants, can cause leaf drop, stem cankers, and fruit rot, particularly in trees like sycamores and oaks
- Prune and dispose of infected plant parts, water plants at the base, and apply fungicides if necessary
If pests or diseases are already present a few DIY remedies include handpicking pests, using insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays, and using beneficial insects to naturally control pests. Using homemade compost tea or other fertilizer can strengthen plants’ resistance to pests and diseases and increase their overall health.
If additional support in your yard is needed, our maintenance and turf care programs can help control or eliminate many common issues for your summer landscape; contact to set up an appointment.
For more on summer lawn and garden care visit: https://ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden.html
