April and early May is the best time to apply preventive insecticides for chinch bugs if you had a lawn infestation last season.
Also, watch out for lawn grubs. When the weather warms up, grubs exit dormancy and feed on grass roots. If there’s a large population, you’ll see patches of brown grass on your lawn and areas where the turf pulls out easily.
Treatments are not very effective on grubs in the spring, but it’s essential to know if you have them on your lawn. During summer, females lay eggs looking for moist soil. If you stop watering the lawn, letting the cool-season grass enter dormancy, they will migrate elsewhere.
Prevent Lawn Diseases
Cool spring days are the best trigger for nasty fungal diseases that can harm your lawn. Brown patch, dollar spot, red thread, and powdery mildew disease are the most common. Here are the main signs to look for:
Fungal Disease Signs, Triggers, and Active Period
Brown Patch Signs: Large circular and irregular patches of brown, dead grass.
Appears: When temperatures are under 68°F on grass that has been wet for a prolonged period.
Active: Spring and fall.
Dollar Spot Signs: Dollar coin-size white, tan, or straw-colored grass patches.
Appears: On drought-weakened and overwatered grass.
Active: During spring, when night temperatures go above 50°F.
Red Thread Signs: Patches of brown, unhealthy grass with red threadlike growths.
Active: Spring and a part of the summer.
Powdery Mildew Signs: Grass looks covered in white powder.
Appears: In shady areas with poor air circulation, high humidity, and cool temperatures.
Active: Spring and fall.
To prevent fungal lawn diseases:
Ensure good soil drainage by dethatching and aerating.
Water the right amount and only in the morning (avoid evening irrigation).
Trim surrounding trees and shrubs to improve air circulation and reduce shade.
Apply a preventive fungicide.
