FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) today announces the 10 U.S. cities that are expected to be most impacted by weed growth and disease this spring and summer. April is National Lawn Care Month, and NALP encourages homeowners and property managers to heed the warning of the locations that have the greatest potential for problematic plants that can inhibit the health of lawns.
“Healthy lawns are essential for families, communities and the environment,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, NALP. “Weeds and diseases have the potential to destroy backyards, sports fields and much-enjoyed public spaces. National Lawn Care Month brings awareness to the specific issues that may affect your region, and serves as a reminder on the importance of working with a lawn care professional to prevent weeds from damaging your property. Even if your region has been spared from what are anticipated to be the ‘worst cities,’ many other communities can expect significant problems, emphasizing the importance of vigilance for lawn care as the weather warms across the country.”
Weeds are not just unsightly; they can indicate serious issues with your lawn. They compete for space and nutrients that grass plants would otherwise utilize, limiting the ability for grass to provide oxygen, protect waterways and remove pollutants from the air. Weeds such as crabgrass and spotted surge grow in lawns that are stressed or weakened. Lawn diseases, like dollar spot, attack grass blades and can have a detrimental effect on the health of a lawn. A properly managed lawn is the best defense for these weeds and diseases.
The top 10 U.S. cities anticipated to be the worst for weeds this upcoming season are:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Orlando, Florida
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Detroit, Michigan
- Wichita, Kansas
- Seattle, Washington
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Read more about why these cities were selected and the lawn issues anticipated to impact these locations.
The authoritative national source on landscaping and lawn care topics, NALP developed its top 10 rankings by evaluating comprehensive national data on consumer concerns about common weeds and lawn diseases between the months of April and August reported to lawn care professionals. That data was then compared to forecasting information from the National Weather Service and matched with information from NALP experts on climate conditions that impact weed growth to determine the rankings.
Many of these weeds that threaten the health of lawns are often difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat properly. For more information, or to find a qualified lawn care or landscape professional in your area, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.
About NALP
NALP represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment.
