This week in landscaping is packed with critters, weather drama, and why your lawn is probably looking the best it has all year. Let’s dive in:
Watch Your Step: Copperheads Are Out
Let’s start with the not-so-fun one: copperheads. These venomous snakes are showing up more often in yards right now. (Venomous = they can bite you; poisonous = you’d have to eat them. Let’s not do either.)
We’ve had two crew members bitten in the past — both are totally fine now, but they did end up in the hospital overnight, and antivenom isn’t cheap.
So if you’re working around shrubs, beds, or tall grass, be cautious. They’re small, well-camouflaged, and love hiding in exactly the places we landscape.
June Bugs Are Bumbling About
You may have seen these guys flying around at night, bonking into porch lights and windows like little bug-brained daredevils. June bugs actually start showing up in May, and they’re the adult version of grubs — the same grubs that munch on your lawn’s roots.
If you’ve seen a lot of June bugs lately, it could mean you’ve got (or had) grub activity in your yard. Too many grubs = root damage = sad grass. A good lawn pest control program helps prevent that, but if you’re not on one, keep an eye out.
Hail, Wind, and Rain (Oh My)
Last week’s storms brought a lot — fast-moving winds, lightning, hail the size of golf balls, and even a trampoline tangled in power lines. No tornadoes hit Austin directly, but it got close.
Damage to trees and roofs aside, the rain was great for our lawns. We’ve had perfect grass-growing weather lately: high 80s to low 90s, steady rain, and some sun. That combo is lawn magic.
Grass Watch: Looking Good, But Watch for Fungus
Right now, lawns across town are looking fantastic. Zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine are thriving. If your lawn isn’t looking great, it might be a microclimate issue — too much shade, compaction, or poor drainage.
That said, all this moisture and warmth can lead to lawn fungus. If you’re seeing odd brown patches or blurry discoloration in the grass, it’s likely fungus. Get it treated fast before it spreads.
In short:
• Watch for copperheads — they’re small but dangerous.
• June bugs are out and could mean past or present grub damage.
• Last week’s rain was great for lawns (even if the hail wasn’t great for trampolines).
• Lawns are looking good — but fungus is lurking.
Let us know if your yard’s showing signs of fungus or if you’d like us to check for any critters or conditions that might be holding it back. Stay safe and enjoy the green-up!
Got a question? We’re happy to help.
— The Top Choice Lawn Care Team