What Winter Annuals Are In Virginia? 

One would think that during the winter in Virginia, lawns should be weed free and slow to grow. While slow growing is certainly a probability, certain weeds enjoy the colder temperatures and will seem to be persistent throughout the harshness of our winter. It may seem like some weeds are indestructible, but we assure you they are not! Naturally, even when treated with the proper herbicides, the environment can help to preserve these lawn invaders for a bit longer than desired.

A great lawn begins with great seed. Selecting the best type of grass seed for fall aeration and seeding requires understanding several factors. 

Why Are Ladybugs In My House During the Winter?

Ladybugs tend to seek warmth to hibernate during the cold winter months, entering your house through small cracks along windowsills, doorways, and under clapboards. Ladybugs gather in groups when they hibernate, so if you don’t repair/seal their entranceways, you are more than likely going to see more. They prefer humidity, but homes are usually dry during the winter so if you’ve ever found a dried-up ladybug, it’s because of dehydration.

In a climate like we have in Richmond, VA, grasses usually go dormant and have a tan appearance in the winter.  Shorter days and colder temperatures slow down grass growth.  Older grass leaves will die in continuous cold and the lawn will look brown.  This will occur with all grass types including tall fescue and bluegrass. 

Is Weed Control Needed Early to Beat Weeds? 

Yes! Pre-emergent for lawns and beds prevents future annual grasses and broadleaf weeds from germinating during the growing season. These products work best when applied in advance, so the timing of the application is important. In Virginia, generally the best time to apply these products is in February and early March. Don’t wait for the Forsythia to bloom, as this may be too late. 

Having a nice lawn shows you care about the home you live in and the neighborhood you are a part of. Well-kept lawns add value not only to your home but the ones around you. It becomes a place to gather and for children to play. 

Richmond Lawn Care Experts 

Starting and maintaining a nice lawn requires a lot of input. Many homeowners find this a rewarding experience. Others may find it full of potholes. Virginia Green Lawn Care can provide a cost-effective solution for homeowners in the difficult climate of Richmond, VA. 

Our Tree and Shrub Manager states that we are seeing signs of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar active in our area, not to be confused with bagworms or webworms. They build “tent” like nest in the crotches of the trees where they feed. These caterpillars are leaf chewers, and while they can defoliate a tree when the population is high, rarely is this feeding fatal, and a healthy tree will push out new growth. 

The Eastern Tent Caterpillars emerge and feed in early-mid spring and then move on in their lifecycle, while the tents remain until they weather away. 

The four-leaf clover has always been considered a symbol of good luck in the Irish culture. According to the legend, the leaves of a four-leaf clover represent hope, faith, love, and a fourth for good luck. A common belief during the Middle Ages was if someone carried a four-leaf clover, they would have the ability to see fairies. 

How Do I Use and Maintain My Irrigation System? 

A large part of maintaining a healthy lawn is proper watering. Your lawn needs between 1 and 1 ½ inches of water each week from April through November. 

To ensure proper watering, many homeowners install irrigation systems. A properly installed and maintained irrigation system can greatly simplify proper watering and often results in not only a healthier lawn but also water savings! 

Rough stalk bluegrass is most active in the spring in our region. As cold weather comes, it may shut down Poa Trivialis from growing for a week or two, but it will continue to thrive until the heat of summer. During that time, it goes completely dormant and will yellow out until temperatures cool. It’s pretty normal to see some of this grassy weed in a lawn no matter the effort we put forth. It may have already been in the soil, in a batch of cheap seed or shade seed, carried to your lawn by an animal, or many other possibilities.