Texas Mosquito Guide

Texas Mosquito Repellent Guide

Here in Texas, we enjoy some beautiful weather, but there’s a downside. Mosquitos love it too! Mosquitoes are not only annoying. They also leave behind itchy red welts, and in some cases, spread diseases, such as the West Nile Virus. Fortunately, when you team up with Just Right Lawns for mosquito control, your family won’t have to deal with pesky mosquito bites.

You can also keep mosquitos at bay by implementing a form of control in your yard. Various repellents work for short term or extended periods of time. Below is a list of items you can do to help the process of reducing mosquito activity.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

There are multiple strategies that work against mosquito bites. Minimize areas of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, and hats. Try wearing clothing treated with permethrin, but applying mosquito repellents to your exposed skin is probably the best.

Short-Term Candles and Foggers

If you are looking for short-term control to keep these pesky mosquitos away, consider using a specially formulated mosquito-repelling candle or fogger. These mosquito-repelling candles are generally made using citronella oil, an infusion made from the citronella grass plant. Specially formulated mosquito foggers are also effective for keeping mosquitos away. When these short-term control methods are placed around outdoor seating areas, mosquitoes are sure to stay away for a few hours. Although they are not as effective on windy days.

Use Bed Nets

Bed nets are essential in providing protection and reducing discomfort caused by biting insects. Bed nets should be tucked under mattresses if they do not reach the floor. These nets are most effective when they are treated with a pyrethroid insecticide.

Long-Term Insecticidal Sprays

If the mosquito problem in your yard is particularly bad, short-term control might not be effective. What you need is long-term insecticidal sprays that provide relief from mosquitoes. Spatial repellent products containing active ingredients, such as metofluthrin and allethrin, augment aerosol insecticide sprays, vaporizing mats, and mosquito coils can help to clear rooms or areas of mosquitos or repel mosquitos from a circumscribed area.

Lambda-cyhalothrin or cyfluthrin insecticides are also good to use on and around man-made structures, like decks, patio spaces or siding. Since brick and concrete do not readily absorb these sprays, re-application may be necessary. For serious long-term control, pyrethroid insecticide broadcast applications are helpful around trees, shrubs and your home.

Remember, insecticides and repellent products should always be used with caution. Avoid direct inhalation of spray or smoke.

Tired of being locked up inside because mosquitos have taken over your yard? Don’t worry! Just Right Lawns can help take back your yard with our mosquito control program!

Treating Brown Patch Texas Lawns

Treating Brown Patch on Texas Lawns

So you finally thought you had your lawn in tip top shape and all of a sudden your grass gets covered in large brown patches, and you just don’t know what to do. But here’s the thing – you are not alone. Your lawn can be revived! Find out what you need to do to get your green lawn back, and how can this be prevented from happening again.

Brown Patch Symptoms

Brown patch symptoms may vary greatly with the type of grass and soil conditions. Lawn grass affected by brown patch will generally exhibit circular or irregular patches of light brown, thinned grass. Symptoms on warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass include circular to irregular patches of blighted turf. Patches up to several yards in diameter commonly develop in the fall, winter, and spring.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent brown patch in every lawn is by following good lawn care practices. This is much easier and less expensive than the use of fungicides, and can be very effective.

Irrigation

Watering the lawn should not be done just before sunset or just after sunrise. This will aid development of brown patch. Instead, water your lawn early in the morning, preferably at sunrise to avoid increases in disease-friendly moisture. This will give the grass blades time to dry before nightfall, and will not leave the lawn damp at night.

Nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Experts generally advise to avoid using nitrogen rich fertilizer in early spring and late fall. Doing so will discourage development of brown patch. Nitrogen fertilizer does not cause brown patch; rather, nitrogen worsens the disease.

Lawn Mowing

Mow your lawn grass to a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Grass that is shorter or taller than that can help breed brown patch. You will need to cut the grass more frequently if you want it cut shorter. Keep clippings from clumping up and creating too much thatch because thatch can also lead to excess moisture.

Good Drainage

Drainage can be a problem, so go out there and improve the drainage. Compacted soil provides poor drainage, and that leads to a lawn with too much surface moisture. Aerate your lawn at least once a year to avoid this problem, and to maintain a good PH in your lawn.

Apply Fungicide

Applying a fungicide in late May can be effective in fighting off brown patch. There are many fungicides to choose from, as well as the type of application that works best for your lawn. The one you chose will be largely dependent on what is available in your area.

Remember to follow the instructions on the packaging of the fungicide you decide on because some fungicides will need to be applied once or twice a month. Begin using fungicide at the first signs of brown patch fungus for best results.

Professional Lawn Care in Texas

A well-cared lawn is the best defense against unwanted brown patches. Just Right Lawns provide customize lawn care throughout the Texas area and can help you keep your lawn looking its best year-round!

Plants Repel Mosquitos

Plants Repel Mosquitos

Mosquitos are a legitimate cause for health concerns and a nuisance you have to endure when you go outdoors. They buzz around, searching for people or animals to dine on, sucking out their blood and bringing all sorts of diseases and viruses with them. But, you don’t need to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays when you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitos away naturally!

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. Citronella is known for its distinct smell, and when a leaf is crushed and rubbed onto the skin, the aroma is very pleasant, yet it helps to naturally repel those mosquitos.

This low maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost. But in warmer climates, citronella can be planted directly in a sunny area in the ground.

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant and it provides nectar for butterflies. This sweet-smelling flower is one of the best plants to repel mosquitos. Lavender repels mosquitos because mosquitos dislike the scent lavender gives off. You can use it as a natural mosquito repellent, placing a few drops on your wrists or ankles.

Lavender is a very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.

Catnip

Catnip is considered one of the best natural insect repellents. This plant contains a natural chemical known as “nepetalactone”, which is both a useful insect repellent and a feline attractant. Unfortunately, if you’re not a fan of cats, skip this one and move onto a different plant.

This plant can be found thriving almost anywhere. It grows readily as a weed as well as a commercially cultivated plant in some regions of the U.S. Catnip grows tall, so if you’re planting them directly in your garden, do so in an area where it won’t block your desired views.

Marigolds

Marigolds are certainly one of the most beautifully simple flowers. They bring more than just specks of bright reds, oranges, and yellows to the garden. They also have a distinct smell that repels mosquitos. Plant them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out.

Marigolds does not only can keep mosquitos away, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. This plant can be an exceptional companion for the vegetable garden.

Marigold plants are very easy to maintain and you don’t need a lot of care to keep them healthy and flourishing.

You can enjoy the lovely ambiance of your lawn without the annoyance of mosquitos by incorporating these plants into your landscape design. Looking for more information about your landscape project or possible plants you could incorporate? Contact Just Right Lawns for more information!

Winter Lawn Care

A Beginner’s Guide to Texas Winter Lawn Care

In Texas, rain and freezing temperatures can affect the lawn and will require the grass to be replaced if too much damage occurs. Winter in Texas may not as long or severe as northern winters, but it can get pretty chilly. Homeowners must prepare their lawns for the cold bursts so that they are healthy and strong and ready for growing season.

Texas Winter Lawn Care Guide

Wondering how much work you need to put into your lawn in winter? The truth is, you don’t need to devote every waking moment to your grass. But, you still may want to pay it some attention if you want it to be green and healthy next spring!

Clear Any Leaves and Debris

The debris and leaves can block out the sunlight, which can kill your grass. It is advisable to remove dead leaves on your yard so that you don’t wake up to a brown lawn come spring. Also, make sure you clear any debris, such as sticks, leaves, or other rubbish during the winter. These things can interfere with the grass receiving the proper nutrients, moisture, and air.

Winter Watering

Since Texas rarely gets snow, you should still water your lawn in the winter, especially if it’s been a couple of weeks without rain. Watering first thing in the morning is best because there is less evaporation and the water has a better chance of drying before night time, reducing instances of lawn disease.

Know When to Apply Fertilizer

Fertilization is the most common way to make sure your lawn stays green and lush. The best time to apply fertilizer is right before the first freeze. Winter fertilization will give your lawn an increased amount of density and will allow it to fight off winter weeds.

Plant Winter Grasses

People in Texas often think of rye grass when they think of a winter grass. Planting rye grass will make your lawn look lusher and fuller as it grows in with your current grass.

Watch Your Weeds

Weeds can still be around in the winter, so be sure that you pay close attention. You will enhance the way your grass will look when the spring comes around by actively removing weeds in the winter.

Get an Expert on Your Side

If you need any expert help, contact Just Right Lawns for all of your lawn care needs. We are ready and eager to help our Texas clients make the most of their lawns no matter what time of year it is.

Grass Benefits Environment

How Grass Benefits the Environment

While homeowners appreciate the beauty of their turf grass, few recognize their environmental benefits. Grass is an important component of urban and rural lawns and landscapes. Natural turf grasses are sustainable and it can deliver multiple benefits artificial lawns can’t match. Here are some of the benefits of grass both for you and for the environment around you.

Purify and improve air quality

Grass takes up carbon dioxide and releases oxygen like all living plants. It doesn’t only removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but it also traps dust to keep it out of both the air and your lungs. Grass is responsible for trapping 12 million tons of dust each year that would otherwise contaminate the air. Less dust blowing around means easier breathing. It also means cleaner cars, cleaner houses, and cleaner windows.

Improves water quality and prevents erosion

Soil and grass share a variety of benefits. The soil provides nutrients while the root system of grass provides stability for the soil. Grasses help reduce erosion caused by wind and rain – thanks to this root system. Grasses have a dense network of roots that help trap and remove pollutants from water as it moves through the soil. Compacted soil doesn’t allow water to sink into it. It means that groundwater resources don’t get replenished when it rains, and that can be a problem in areas that rely on precipitation for drinking water.

It cools the air

Grass naturally cools the surrounding environment. In fact, the grass on your lawn has the cooling effect of about 9 tons of air conditioning. It also provides cooler places for summer recreation than asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Grasses absorb sound and reduce noise pollution

Grasses contribute to reductions in noise levels by absorbing and deflecting sounds. It acts like a blanket or insulation panel, absorbing sounds from people, cars, trucks, and animals. Grasses also reduce glare and light reflection.

As you can see, the grass has so many benefits when you take a look at it. Grass is not nature’s enemy, but rather her friend. A well maintained and cared for lawn can help the environment and bring great benefits to the homeowner.

If you have questions about turf grass, please feel free to call us. A healthy lawn means a healthy environment and the experts at Just Right Lawns can help you every step of the way!

Hiring Lawn Care Professionals Worth

Why Hiring Lawn Care Professionals Is Worth It

Maintaining a lawn can be quite a chore. Although some homeowners claim to enjoy yardwork, many of us would rather spend our weekends relaxing and enjoying the time with our family – or frankly, doing anything besides pushing a mower uphill in the dog days of summer.

Fortunately you can hire a lawn care professional to help you. Leave the lawn maintenance to the pros, and spend your weekends enjoying your skillfully manicured lawn rather than working on it. Hiring a professional lawn maintenance company like Just Right Lawns is a smart way to keep your lawn looking great every day, no matter how busy you get.

Why Hire a Lawn Care Professional?

You’ll Save Tons of Time

This is perhaps the biggest reason to hire a lawn care company – it saves you valuable time. You need to put in a lot of time and effort in order to properly maintain your lawn. This could mean regular mowing, fertilizing, watering, insect control and weeding. Hiring a professional lawn care company can free you from this time commitment so you can enjoy more with your family.

Hiring a Lawn Care Professional Will Save You Money

You might be asking, “How could paying for lawn care services save you money?” Actually, doing it yourself doesn’t always mean it saves you more money because you have to purchase fertilizers, pesticides, trimmers, sprayers, a lawn mower, a leaf blower, and other necessary materials. Unless you have all this stuff just lying around. It may be cheaper for you to hire a professional who already has everything they need. Plus, you can also avoid having to pay to correct mistakes caused by a lack of experience.

They Can Do More than Mow Your Lawn

Lawn care professionals can offer more than just basic lawn care services. They can also provide services like brush removal, seasonal yard cleanup, weeding, tree pruning, mulching, edging, gardening, seeding/sodding and property renovations. Professional lawn companies hire workers who have the knowledge and experience required in order to make your lawn shine.

Invest in Professional Lawn Care Services Today

If you live in the Austin and San Antonio, TX area and want to hire a professional for your lawn, contact us at Just Right Lawns today!

Hiring a professional lawn care company like Just Right Lawns will ensure your lawn stays beautiful even when you are busy. We pride ourselves on quality work and have an experienced staff that can maintain any type of lawn or garden in the Austin and San Antonio, Texas area.

Fall Lawn Care in Austin Texas

Fall Lawn Care Guide

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of lawn care. Some homeowners think lawns need less care in the fall because the grass grows more slowly. Actually, your grass still needs attention in the fall, just like it does in the spring! Grass busily absorbs energy, moisture, and nutrients during this time of year in preparation for a long, dormant winter. With its cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, this is the ideal time to prepare your lawn for next spring. Taking proper care of your grass now will actually lead to a lusher, healthier spring lawn.

Follow these few simple fall lawn care tips so you can prolong the enjoyment of your lawn into the fall.

Keep on Mowing Your Lawn

Mowing is the best way of controlling weeds and increasing the density of our lawns. With the days growing cooler, it is safe to lower the mower’s blade from about 3 or more inches to 2½ inches. It will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass. Additionally, there will be less leaf to turn brown during the winter. Call Just Right Lawns if you need lawn mowing in Austin or San Antonio

Rake Fallen Leaves

Autumn means falling leaves, therefore raking has become a ritual chore of fall lawn care in Austin, Texas. Leaves left in your yard block out sunlight and air, which encourages lawn disease. Removing fallen leaves will prevent lawn disease from forming during the winter.

Aerate the Soil

Fall is also the best time to aerate your lawn. It prevents soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch, a thick layer of roots, stems, and debris that blocks water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the soil. Give your lawn the best chance to receive the nutrients and water it needs to grow healthy all season long by aerating your soil regularly.

Control Weeds

Fall is a good time to control weeds. Certain weeds such as dandelions, plantain, clover, and creeping Charlie begin growing in the fall, so you want to make sure you don’t limit weed prevention measures to the spring. Apply pre-emergence weed control in early fall to prevent weeds from germinating later in the fall and throughout winter. We know that there is no way to prevent every single weed from sprouting up, but you can greatly reduce their chances of returning with the proper pre-emergence and lawn care.

Add Fall Fertilizer

Fertilizing is also important in the fall. Fertilizers help your lawn grow and sustain itself through the coming winter. Keep in mind that not every lawn requires the same fertilization schedule. It depends on where you live and what kind of grasses are featured in your lawn.

Fall Lawn Care in Austin, Texas

Just Right Lawns gives yards the essentials they need to thrive year-round. Additionally, our customer service representatives will help fix any serious issues your lawn may encounter. If you’re in need of fresh, dense turf to rejuvenate your lawn and to get more information on fall lawn care in Austin, Texas, contact Just Right Lawns today for assistance!