Every summer is uniquely different in the Midwest and this one is turning out to be no different.  After the hottest and one of the driest summers in 2012 the summer of 2013 is on pace to be one of the wettest and below normal for temperatures.  Although this sounds great for the lawn care industry it can bring along a lot of issues that would otherwise be missed.  Heavy rains for several days can bring monthly rain totals up on paper but aren't necessarily good for the turf.  Extended times of wet leaf tissue from overnight rains and high humidity can also bring very serious disease issues to the surface over night.   A lawn that was showing early signs of leaf spot diseases from the high humidity. The disease issues that we have seen in Lake county so far this summer include read thread, leaf spot, melting out and even a rare instance of pythium blight.  They usually develop as small irregular spots that can expand to include several square feet ...

      As we prepare for the winter months there are a few important things to think about concerning tree care.  One of the most important considerations for the harsh winters that we face in the Midwest is winter damage on the evergreen trees.  Evergreens are a beautiful addition to many landscapes across the area and nothing is more frustrating than losing an old evergreen tree from winter damage.  Winter damage is basically caused by one primary cause, dehydration.       Dehydration caused by the drying out of evergreen needles during the winter months causes the needles to turn brown, die and fall.  Although a minor amount of needle drop is common late fall, too much can cause fatal results to many trees.  The dehydration is caused by lack of available moisture uptake by the shallow roots from the frozen ground, dry air and wind.  This winter will cause more winte...

Its time for the most important lawn application of the year, Fall Fertilizer!  Fall fertilization is probably the most important application of the year for a premium lawn.  Fall fertilizers are high in readily available nitrogen that the turf roots can absorb immediately and store throughout the winter months as the plant goes dormant.  When the first warmth of spring arrives this stored nitrogen enables the plant to "pop" and explode out of dormancy with dark green leaf growth.  The green leaf grows begins producing carbohydrates through photosynthesis and begins food production for the turf plant, while your neighbors lawn is still hibernating.   If you haven't already applied your fall fertilizer or had Lawn Doctor's expert technician apply it for you there is still time to get this application down before its too late.  Contact Lawn Doctor today to find out more about this vital step in your lawn's health plan or to schedule y...

Bluegrass and Turf-type Tall Fescue Bluegrass and Turf-type tall fescue grass seed blends are both cool season grasses that can thrive in our cool humid growing zone.  One reason they are so popular in the green industry is because they produce rhizomes as part of their reproductive process.  What does this mean?  It means the plant sends out new shoots below ground to repair itself and reproduce across open areas in the lawn.  The picture above is a patch of lawn that died in the early heat and drought this summer.  As the cooler temperatures of August and September arrived, along with some much-needed rainfall, the surviving bluegrass plants began their process of reproducing.  The result is a fuller appearance of turf that will eventually fill in completely without any over-seeding.  This unique characteristic of these grass types is why experienced turfgrass professionals have preferred them for high-maintenance lawns. Many lawn...

Carbohydrates — The Real Plant Food Lawn fertilizers are often marketed as ‘plant food’. Although most people realize that nutrients from fertilizers are required by plants for proper growth and development, they may not realize that fertilizers are not really plant food. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, a chemical reaction in leaves involving water, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and light energy. The end products, carbohydrates, are used by plants for energy and growth and are the true plant food. Carbohydrates can be stored in stem and crown tissues when they are made faster than they are used. Storage is greatest in fall and is beneficial since the plant needs carbohydrates for recovery from injury when turf is damaged by pests, drought, heat, and mower injury the following year. Depletion of carbohydrates is fastest in spring, especially under low mowing heights and high nitrogen fertility. If depleted too quickly, the turf may go into the summer months in a ...

As this summer comes to an end and the leaves begin to pile up, your sprinkler system is in need of a winterization blowout.  A blowout consists of blowing high pressure air throughout all of the sprinkler lines to insure no water is left behind which can freeze and cause significant damage to expensive sprinkler parts.  Did I mention that your local Lawn Doctor can provide this service at a much lower price than an irrigation contractor?  Yes, we can.  Contact us today 847-395-0940 to sign up for your sprinkler system blowout.

Tar spot on the maple trees was very common this season with the early summer-like weather in early spring.  The development of disease pathogens started much earlier than normal and were allowed to thrive in the warmer temperatures with adequate moisture in late spring.   This created a large population growth for all disease-causing spores including several different fungi in the genus Rhytisma, which infect maple leaves causing tar spot.  The summer drought conditions delayed further development until August when rains returned to the area.  Although it is a non-serious plant disease, tar spot can become an unsightly problem for homeowners if the symptoms arent identified and treated early.  One way to combat tar spot is by collecting, mulching and removing the leaves in fall.  The fungi spores can survive over winter on previous years leaves and then easily spread to the new leaves from the spring winds. At Lawn Docto...

ACT "NOW" TO SAVE ON CORE AERATION AND  OVERSEEDING ***Get a Free Soil Enrichment***   Lawn Doctor’s Core Aeration can improve the health and appearance of your lawn. Core Aeration removes thousands of small plugs of soil, which improves water absorption, reduces growth-choking thatch and allows stronger root development. Core Aeration can maximize the benefits of our other services and provide you with the lush, green lawn you've always wanted. Over seeding will improve the thickness of the overall turf and help fill in the bare spots. We are preparing our Core Aeration schedule now! RESPOND before Oct, 31 2012 so we can schedule your lawn for Core Aeration and Overseeding, plus give you a special discount. Act now and receive a 12% current customer discount for the turf area we currently service, plus a FREE Soil Enrichment . What is Organic Soil Enrichment? This valuable service will improve root penetration and soil water retenti...

With no control over rain and record heat the chain o lakes area has seen a lot of lawn damage in 2012. Lawn Doctor has received a lot of calls for turf renovations, using our Power Seeder, a must for cultivating the burnt grass and reaching the dirt for seed to soil contact.

Now is time to inspect your trees for summer tree problems. After a drought the trees will show signs of weakness before dropping leaves and needles. This is an indicator of next seasons problems. Call Lawn Doctor for a tree/shrub inspection to catch problems and correct them before they turn into dead trees.

POWER SEEDING Lawn Doctor’s Power Seeding is the fastest way to restore a weak or damaged lawn. Our exclusive Turf Tamer® Power Seeder prepares the seedbed to achieve maximum seed-to-soil contact. This allows for high germination and vigorous growth of new turf. Power Seeding Video

Mosquitoes , ticks, fleas, wasps, and biting flies are just a few of the many flying and crawling insects that most likely will cause you to retreat indoors this spring and summer. Fortunately, for you and the other home-owning residents of Lake county, Lawn Doctor of Antioch, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst and Fox Lake is prepared to fight your battle with these annoying pests with our mosquito control program. That's right, we can get you back outside enjoying your backyard and patio during this early summer-like weather with a quick phone call and a mosquito control program sign-up. We will begin our first mosquito control spray mid-April, so in order to receive full value of our mosquito control service call the office at 847-395-0940 or visit mylawndoctorcustomer.com to sign-up now. Our mosquito control spray program provides an industry-leading service by deploying licensed and trained technicians as well as EPA-registered insecticide and Illinois Dept. ...

This lawn is responding to our late fall lawn application well. It is just one of our custom treatments in Lawn Doctor's 6 service program, just think what the others will do!

There is something special about the sight of a green and healthy lawn in early spring that makes everyone happy. Along with the warm air and colorful blooms returning to the landscapes, a green and healthy lawn in early spring reminds us all of the wonderful time of being outdoors again. Lawn Doctor of Antioch - Gurnee - Lake Villa - Lindenhurst - Fox Lake is anxiously awaiting to start our early spring lawn care service. Our Lawn Doctor's vans will be traveling to your neighborhood soon, so don't let them stop at your neighbor's lawn before yours. Call or go online for a 60-second quote today !