As anyone who’s ever lived in Louisiana can attest, the southern part of the state is a bit different from the rest of the country. The heat and humidity are palpable, and they take a toll on just about everything—including your lawn. If you’re new to the area or simply looking to brush up on your Baton Rouge lawn care knowledge, read on for everything you need to know about keeping your green space healthy and happy.
The Effect of Climate and Weather on Lawn Care in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means that it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. This kind of weather takes a toll on grass, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, the high temperatures and humidity levels make it difficult for newly seeded grass to establish itself. For these reasons, it’s important to be mindful of the following when caring for your lawn in Baton Rouge:
-Choose disease-resistant grass varieties: St. Augustine and Bermuda are both good options.
-Fertilize regularly: Fertilizing helps grass withstand disease and pest pressure. Be sure to use a fertilizer designed for use in hot, humid climates.
-Water early in the day: Watering early in the day helps reduce evaporation and allows the grass time to absorb moisture before the sun gets too hot.
-Mow high: Mowing high (at least 3 inches) helps grass retain moisture and prevents weeds from taking over.
Lawn Care Services Needed in Baton Rouge That Are Not as Common Elsewhere
We’re all familiar with common lawn care services like mowing, watering, and fertilizing. But there are a few other things you’ll need to do if you want your Baton Rouge lawn to look its best. Here are a few examples:
-Apply grub control: Grubs are a type of beetle larva that feeds on grass roots, causing extensive damage to your lawn if left unchecked. wpc2025 Applying grub control products in late spring or early summer can help prevent an infestation.
-Aerate and overseed: Aerating helps improve drainage and reduce compaction, while overseeding helps thicken up your lawn so it’s better able to crowd out weeds. Both aerating and overseeding are best done in fall when temperatures are cooler.
-Remove thatch: Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter that builds up on top of your lawn over time. Removing thatch can help improve drainage and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. A professional lawn care company can remove thatch using a power rake or verticutter.
-Control weeds: Weeds compete with grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so it’s important to keep them under control. In addition to pulling weeds by hand, you can also use herbicides (be sure to choose one that’s labeled safe for use around children and pets). Pre-emergent herbicides can also help prevent weeds from germinating in the first place.
Baton Rouge Lawn Care
Lawn care in Baton Rouge requires knowledge of both common and not-so-common lawn care practices. From choosing disease-resistant grass varieties to removing thatch buildup, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your green space looks its best year-round—regardless of the weather conditions.