ULTRALawn

09/06/2026

By late summer, crabgrass has had plenty of time to establish itself, especially in thin areas of the lawn and along sidewalks and driveways.

While prevention is key, seeing crabgrass now is a good reminder that a healthy, dense lawn can help reduce opportunities for weeds to take over next season.

09/04/2026

Brown grass? It could be chinch bugs. 🐛

Hot, dry weather can stress your lawn, but sometimes the problem isn't the weather.

So we found Chinch Bugs in your lawn… For many years chinch bugs have been a pest problem on southern lawns. In recent years they have become common in eastern Iowa communities like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. We now see them at several properties every year. Chinch Bug Damage At first glance, chi...

09/03/2026

💦 Is your irrigation system still watering like it’s the middle of summer?

Watering too frequently can leave soil consistently wet, encouraging shallow roots instead of a stronger, deeper root system. Take a look at your sprinkler schedule and adjust based on rainfall and your lawn’s actual needs. Sometimes, watering less often can actually help your lawn develop stronger roots.

And remember, a little browning during periods of summer heat doesn’t necessarily mean your lawn is unhealthy—it may simply be telling you it’s ready for water or it will be entering dormancy.

Learn smart lawn watering practices for Iowa homeowners. Reduce water waste, improve lawn health, and maintain a greener yard all summer long.

09/02/2026

🪲 Billbugs can cause brown or straw-colored areas in your lawn that may look a lot like drought stress.

These small pests can damage grass from the inside out, making it important to identify the problem before assuming your lawn simply needs more water.

Seeing unexplained damage? Read our blog to see if Billbugs may be the cause

Adult bluegrass billbugs are seen in spring and early fall. Damage from larvae usually appears in July. This damage begins as discolored patches of grass.

09/01/2026

Cooler temperatures and warm soil create excellent conditions for cool-season grass to establish. If your lawn has thin, bare or damaged areas, fall (late summer) is the best opportunity to give those spots a fresh start.

Don't let bare spots become bigger problems next spring.

👉 Contact us to learn more about fall seeding.

08/27/2026

Hydroseeding combines grass seed, mulch, water and other materials into a mixture that can be applied evenly across the soil. It can be a great option for establishing new turf and covering larger areas more efficiently than traditional hand seeding.

Starting a new lawn or have a large area that needs grass?

👉 Contact us to learn if hydroseeding is right for your property.

08/26/2026

Foot traffic, mowing and everyday use can compact your soil, making it harder for water, air and nutrients to reach your lawn's roots. Aeration creates openings in the soil to help relieve compaction and encourage healthier root growth.

Ready to give your lawn a little more room to breathe?

📅 Schedule your aeration today.

08/19/2026

🍎📚 Back-to-school season means life gets busy.

Between school drop-offs, sports, and packed schedules, lawn care often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

That's okay—we're here to help keep your lawn healthy so you can spend more time enjoying it.

08/18/2026

It’s hard to forget the damage the derecho left across Iowa over 6 years ago. While much of the immediate damage is behind us, some lawns and landscapes may still show the effects through damaged trees, compacted soil or areas that never fully recovered.

Severe weather can have lasting effects on your property. If an area of your lawn or landscape still isn't bouncing back, it may be time to take a closer look.

The 2020 Derecho left many side effects for Cedar Rapids lawns and trees in its wake. Read about our lawn care adjustments to this event.

08/13/2026

Seeing brown patches or circular rings in your lawn this summer? 👀

Summer patch is a common turf disease that thrives during periods of heat and humidity. While it can be frustrating, the right lawn care practices can help your grass recover and stay stronger.

Not sure what’s affecting your yard? Contact ULTRALawn today!

Does your lawn look like this? One of the most common diseases encountered is summer patch, a soil-borne condition that targets Kentucky bluegrass during the summer heat. The damage from summer patch manifests as incomplete rings of discolored or dead turf, typically with a patch of live turf in the...