Grow Beyond Blog

What Are Fall Webworms? 

What causes thick webbing on trees?  

Is it bagworms, or tent caterpillars or some type of spider? No, it’s most likely fall webworms. The caterpillars produce a web of fine silk over the terminal ends of plants. They only feed inside the silken web, which they enlarge as they grow. The webs may become messy and not liked for aesthetic reasons, but usually don’t affect plant growth. The dry webs may hang in plants into the winter months. 

We have seen a large population of fall armyworms (caterpillars) show up on a limited number of Virginia lawns over the last few days. Offshore winds from the south have blown adult moths into our area this summer. These moths laid eggs which have now hatched into caterpillars. These caterpillars are not a common pest problem in Central Virginia but can cause significant damage to a lawn overnight. 

Landscape vs. Drastic Temperature Changes  

How does drastic changes in temperature affect my landscape plants?  

Cooler temperatures in the fall trigger plants to reduce growth and store energy for the winter.  As temperatures get closer to freezing, plants stop growing and become dormant.  By becoming dormant, plants are able to withstand cold temperatures better. A sudden cold spell in the late fall can do more damage than sustained cold temperatures in winter.  

What are clovers?  

White clover (Trifolium repens), also known as Dutch clover, is a cool-season perennial often found growing in patches along roadsides and in pastures and lawns. It is a low-growing plant with creeping stems (stolons) that produce roots and shoots at nodes (joints) along the stem, which helps the plant to spread. 

Late Fall Fertilizer  

What are the benefits to applying fertilizer in late fall?  

One main benefit to late season fertilization is it’s ability to help turf grow out of any stressors that may have occurred over the summer months, and it helps provide the necessary nutrients for new seedlings to germinate and mature.

What are the benefits to applying late fall fertilizer and weed control?

One main benefit to late season fertilization is it’s ability to help turf grow out of any stressors that may have occurred over the summer months, and it helps provide the necessary nutrients for new seedlings to germinate and mature. Late season fertilization also ensures there will be better fall and winter color, earlier spring green-up, increased shoot density, improved fall, winter, and spring root growth, getting ahead of winter annuals, and food storage reserves (carbohydrates) within the turf plant.

What are bagworms?  

The bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, is a caterpillar that forms a cocoon-like bag which hangs from the host plant. The larva constructs the bag from silk and covers it with bits and pieces of leaves and twigs from the host plant. The bag itself will look different depending on what host plant it is feeding on. The larva is dark brown with a yellow head and has black and yellow spots covering its body. Adult female bagworms are almost maggot like; they are wingless and lack functional legs, eyes and antennae.

Are you noticing unfamiliar light green patches in your lawn? Chances are, you're dealing with Poa Annua, also known as annual bluegrass. This common intruder in Virginia lawns can be more than just an eyesore; it can threaten the health and appearance of your outdoor space.

How Does Winter Dormancy of Tall Fescue Affects Lawn Growth? 

During dormancy, which typically takes place when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), Tall Fescue experiences a significant slowdown in growth. In essence, the grass goes into a state of rest, causing visible changes in its appearance and growth patterns. During this period, Tall Fescue ceases to grow, and its color may turn pale or straw-like, giving the lawn a less vibrant appearance. 

Adding lime to your lawn is a versatile task that can be performed at any time and is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve soil conditions. In Virginia, soil tends to be naturally acidic, with pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.3 in areas that have not been limed. While a pH of 5.0 might be suitable for blueberries and azaleas, it is not conducive to most lawns, which require a less acidic environment.