Protecting Your Investment by Eliminating Pests Through Recurring Lawn Care
Investing in real estate is a significant financial commitment, and protecting that investment is crucial for long-term profitability. One often overlooked aspect of property maintenance is lawn care. A well-maintained lawn not only enhances curb appeal but also plays a critical role in preventing pest infestations that can damage your property and decrease its value. In this article, we'll explore the importance of recurring lawn care and how it helps eliminate pests, ensuring your investment remains secure.
The Importance of Lawn Care in Protecting Real Estate Investments
Maintaining a healthy lawn is essential for protecting your real estate investment. Here are some compelling reasons to keep your lawn in top condition:
Increases Property Value: A beautiful, well-maintained lawn enhances the curb appeal of your property, significantly increasing its market value. Potential buyers are more likely to be attracted to a home with a lush, green lawn (Porch) (Stessa).
Prevents Damage from Pests: Neglected lawns are prone to infestations by various pests such as white grubs, chinch bugs, and cutworms. These pests can cause extensive damage to your lawn and may even migrate into your home, causing further problems (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
Reduces Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Regular lawn care can prevent costly repairs and extensive pest control treatments. By keeping your lawn healthy, you can avoid the expenses associated with severe pest infestations and damage (Porch).
Enhances Living Environment: A well-maintained lawn provides a pleasant and safe outdoor space for your family to enjoy. It also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood, promoting a sense of community and pride in homeownership (Stessa).
Common Pests Attracted to Unkempt Lawns
Unkempt lawns in Canada can attract a variety of pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common pests found in neglected lawns:
White Grubs: These larvae of beetles such as the European chafer, June beetle, and Japanese beetle feed on grass roots, causing brown patches and making the turf easy to pull up. Secondary damage from animals like skunks and raccoons digging for grubs can also occur (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
Chinch Bugs: These pests live in the thatch layer and are most active in the summer. They feed on grass by sucking out plant juices and injecting toxins, leading to yellow and brown patches that resemble drought stress (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
Leatherjackets: The larvae of crane flies, leatherjackets feed on grass root crowns and can cause significant damage in the fall and spring. They can also attract birds and other animals that dig up the lawn to feed on them (Nutri-Lawn Blog).
Cutworms: These larvae feed at night and hide in the thatch during the day. They can cause damage by cutting off young plants at the base, leading to small dead patches in the lawn (Safer Brand).
Billbugs: Both the larvae and adults of billbugs damage lawns. Adults chew holes in grass blades to lay eggs, and the larvae feed inside the stems, causing grass to break off easily at the soil line (Family Handyman).
Ants: While a few ants can be beneficial by aerating the soil, large colonies can cause soil to dry out and create unsightly mounds that smother grass (Family Handyman).
Sod Webworms: The larvae of sod webworms feed on grass blades and create small brown patches. They are most active in hot, dry weather and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked (Canada.ca).
Fiery Skippers: The larvae of these butterflies create small brown spots in lawns by feeding on grass blades. They can expand their grazing areas, leading to larger dead patches if not controlled (Safer Brand) (Family Handyman).
The Danger of Attracting Wildlife to Unkempt Yards
Neglected lawns not only attract insect pests but can also draw larger wildlife such as skunks, raccoons, and feral cats. These animals pose additional risks, especially to children:
Skunks: Skunks are attracted to lawns with a high population of insects like grubs. They dig up the turf in search of food, causing further lawn damage. More importantly, skunks can spray a noxious liquid when threatened, which can be a serious concern if children play in the yard (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
Raccoons: Similar to skunks, raccoons dig up lawns looking for grubs. They can also be carriers of diseases such as rabies, posing a health risk to humans and pets (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
Feral Cats: Unkempt yards provide shelter for feral cats, which can spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis. They may also engage in aggressive behavior if they feel threatened (Nutri-Lawn Blog) (Canada.ca).
How TGLC's Recurring Lawn Care Services Prevent Pest Infestations
At TGLC, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lawn to protect your real estate investment. Here are the key lawn care practices we recommend to prevent pest infestations:
Power Raking: This process removes the buildup of thatch (dead grass and debris) that can harbor pests. Power raking in the early spring helps to maintain a healthy lawn by allowing water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the soil more effectively.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn once a year, preferably in the spring or fall, helps to alleviate soil compaction and improve root growth. This process creates small holes in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more efficiently. Aeration is essential for preventing issues like root rot and reducing the habitat for pests like white grubs and chinch bugs (Canada.ca).
Trimming and Mowing: Regular mowing and trimming keep your grass at an optimal height, which helps to discourage pest infestations. Taller grass can provide a breeding ground for pests, while shorter, well-maintained grass reduces their hiding spots. Ensure that your mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing the grass, which can make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Proper Watering and Fertilization: Maintaining a consistent watering schedule and using the right type of fertilizer helps keep your lawn healthy and resilient against pests. Overwatering or underwatering can stress the grass, making it more vulnerable to infestations (Canada.ca) (The Wealth Advisor).
By following these lawn care practices, TGLC ensures your lawn remains healthy, attractive, and pest-free, protecting your valuable real estate investment. Regular maintenance not only enhances the beauty of your home but also contributes to a healthier living environment.
For more information on how TGLC can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn, preventing pest infestations and protecting your investment, book your lawn care today!
