Richmond, VA Lawn Care Guide

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    Richmond Lawn Care Guide

    Residents of Richmond, VA know that it takes more than a simple weekly watering to keep their lawn looking pristine. Richmond presents some unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to growing and maintaining the best lawn possible, due to its location near the ocean and in the middle of the transition zone.

    Let’s look at everything you need to know to maintain the perfect lawn in the southern city of Richmond, VA.

    The Basics of Lawn Mowing in Richmond, VA

    The first thing you need to know when it comes to lawn care in Richmond is how to mow your lawn. Some general tips to keep in mind are:

    • Mow your grass anywhere between 2 and 4 times per month
    • Keep your grass around 2 to 3.75 inches long (some grasses can be kept longer)
    • Never cut more than a third of new growth off your lawn at a time. Cutting your lawn really short might seem like the best idea, but it’s only going to dry your grass out faster, which can be a real problem during the summer months in Richmond.
    • Mow in the evening when your grass is dry. Mowing wet grass is dangerous and makes it easier to create ruts with the mower. Plus your grass will have a full cool night to recover from the stress.
    • Mow with sharp blades. Dull blades can tear your grass and make it easier for disease and insects to prey upon it.
    • Leave your grass clippings scattered behind every now and then. They will help naturally fertilize your yard, providing it valuable nitrogen.

    Watering Your Lawn in Richmond

    Different grass types will require different amounts of water to thrive. (We’ll get into that shortly.) But there are some general things to keep in mind when watering a lawn in Richmond, VA.  After all, hiring the best Richmond lawn service in the world won’t matter if you don’t water properly.

    • Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening, especially during summer. This way the blazing Southern sun won’t evaporate most of the water meant for your grass.
    • Check for water restrictions by the Richmond (or Henrico, Chesterfield, Short Pump regulations). Quite often there are watering restrictions put in place, limiting the amount of water you can use for watering your lawn. There are currently none, however, so you can water your lawn as much as you need to. This will be 3 or 4 times per week during the growing season, and slightly less during wintertime.

    Common Lawn Pests in Richmond, VA

    Before we get into the different types of grass you can use, let’s first discuss the pests which will feed on any type of grass you choose. Richmond, in particular, has a few nasty pests like chinch bugs, crane flies, and white grubs.

    White Grubs: These are the tiny little larvae of a variety of different beetles and insects. When they hatch in the early spring, they will begin feeding on your grass roots underground.

    Animals digging for grubs can also damage your lawn when hunting for their next meal. If you notice beetles around your lawn, you could be facing a grub problem in the near future, if you aren’t already.

    Chinch Bugs: These critters will hatch in the early summer, and suck all the juice of your grass blades. If you have a chinch bug problem, you’ll notice spots of brown begin to appear on your lawn. If left untreated they can devastate your lawn in 3 weeks or less.

    Crane Flies: Also known as leatherjackets, these insects look like mosquitoes and are attracted to light. They typically appear in the early fall or late summer to begin feeding on the crowns and roots of your grass. Slight discoloration of your lawn in the usual symptom of crane flies, but left untreated they can ruin your entire lawn and eat it down to the nubs.

    If you aren’t sure what pest type you have, consider asking one of Richmond’s top lawn services for their opinion.

    Common Grass Types in Richmond, VA

    Because Richmond is in the transition zone, it can handle both cool season and warm season grass to varying degrees. Most Richmonders use cool season grass because it lasts better year-round, but warm season grasses can thrive as well.

    If you want to use warm season grass like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, or Buffalograss, you might do best to overseed with a cool season grass during the winter, so your lawn doesn’t turn brown. However, some cool season grasses which you can use year-round for a beautiful lawn include:

    Tall Fescue

    This grass is very resistant to drought because its roots run so deep. It’s generally considered the best-adapted turfgrass for lawns in Richmond, VA because of this.

    Kentucky Bluegrass

    A common favorite, this grass looks and feels lush and beautiful under your feet. It is high maintenance, however, meaning it’s vulnerable to disease and insects. You’ll need to regularly check it for problems or risk having to call in professionals to nurse it back to health.

    Fine-leaf Fescues

    These grasses are perfectly adapted to the climate around the northern Piedmont, and valley and ridge areas of Virginia. The needle-like texture of the leaves can look great to some, and ugly to others. The grass itself is very low-maintenance though and makes for a high-quality lawn despite this.

    Perennial Ryegrass

    It’s best to use this grass as a mix during the summer because it has a low drought and heat tolerance. During the rest of the year, however, it’s durable and able to handle a high amount of traffic. It’s also one of the fastest growing seeds of any grass.

    You’ll want to give each of these grasses an inch of water per week at the minimum, including rainfall. They also will do best if kept at around 3 to 4 inches high during the summer. In the spring you should do some heavy raking to fight snow mold and remove debris, giving your lawn a chance to breathe and release moisture.  If you’re unsure of which grass type you have, a Richmond lawn treatment professional can give you an expert opinion.

    Common Weeds and Lawn Diseases in Richmond, VA

    With all your other bases covered, you’ll still have to watch out for these common weeds and lawn diseases in Richmond.  Most Richmond, VA lawn care professionals can help identify these.

    In addition to these nasty weeds, you’ll also have to keep an eye out for lawn diseases in Richmond like:

    Both of these diseases can be avoided by watching your lawn closely and attacking them with herbicides before they spread.

    Popular Landscaping Plants in Richmond, VA

    *All photos on the Wikilawn website are free for commercial or non-commercial use. Visual attribution is required.

    Grey Cotoneaster

    Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

    This plant thrives in Hardiness Zones 7-9 and reaches up to 3 feet in height. The grey color tones make it a great accent bush to add to your landscape.

    Jerusalem Sage

    Phlomis fruticosa

    Jerusalem Sage loves the sun, well-drained soil, and occasional shade. This sage can handle the heat, too. It’s drought tolerant and even deer resistant!

    Daffodil

    ‘Peeping Tom’

    Narcissus cyclamineus

    Peeping Tom blooms from March to April. This variety of Daffodil is typically yellow but can also produce orange leaves. It’s great for adding color to your landscape.

    Hiring a lawn care company in Richmond, VA

    If you’re like most residents of RVA, you’d rather spend your weekend enjoying the fan, exploring Bell Isle, or brunching at Millies.  That’s where the professionals can help.  Here are some of our hand-picked, top-rated Richmond, VA lawn care professionals that can help you with your lawn.

    Our Top Richmond, VA Lawn Services of 2018

    Here are our top picks for Richmond-based landscapers.  Please note, they are not affiliated with Wikilawn in any way.  Our goal is simply to bring you the best Richmond lawn mowing services that will do the best work for your lawn.

    1) 804 Lawn Pros LLC

    Owner: Layne Lantz 

    Morningside Dr.
    Richmond, VA 23226

    Throughout the 804 there are few lawn care specialists you can call on, but fortunately, there is 804 Lawn Care Pros. The 804 Lawn Care Pros have experienced lawn care professionals equipped with the tools and know how to care for your Richmond lawn. Whether you are in Shockoe Bottom or up near Carytown, Layne and crew are prepared to offer your professional level lawn care service. For complete lawn care service throughout the year, call on 804 Lawn Pros.

    2) Lightning Landscape

    Owner: Kittrell Lightner

    Hartman Street
    Richmond, VA 23223

    Tired of fooling around with lawn care “professionals” that never show up when they are expected to? Well, that is not a problem you will have with Lightning Landscape. Lightning Landscape offers affordable, quality landscaping services you can depend on. Unlike the other guys, they won’t keep you waiting forever either. For the quickest lawn care in Richmond, call Lightning Landscape.

    3) The Lawn Don

    Owner: Lee Nunnally
    Viking Lane
    Richmond, VA 23228
    Are you looking for a lawn care offer you can’t refuse? Well, there is only one name in the business that can offer that, and that’s The Lawn Don. Lee and his crew strive to provide satisfactory lawn care service on a regular basis. Whether you need a one time trim of the bushes, or weeding in the garden, or need a full-service lawn care package, call the Lawn Don.

    4) Evans & Associates Lawn Care LLC

    Owner: Jeremy Evans 

    Montecrest Avenue
    Richmond, VA 23234

    Jeremy Evans and his team are known for one thing in Richmond Virginia, and that is top of the line lawn care. If you need your lawn fertilized, reseeded, sodded, aerated or cleaned up Evans & Associates is a name you can trust. Evans and crew go above and beyond for each and every client to deliver the best lawn care services in Richmond, Virginia. Don’t let your lawn keep getting out of hand, call Evans and enjoy your lawn like never before!

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