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What is that garden insect?

What is eating my plants and what do I do about it? Read on to learn more about a few common garden insects that if left alone could cause serious damage to your landscape.

Bugs around the house are a problem that everyone who lives in the Kansas City area has dealt with. Many of these garden insects are harmless to people, pets and plants, but some can create huge problems. Here’s a look at a few of the harmful bugs that could be living in your lawn and landscape.

1: Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetles Feeding On Linden Tree (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

One garden insect that could be doing some hefty damage this time of year is the Japanese Beetle. These little guys make a meal out of almost any plant that is common to beautiful home landscapes. They prefer to snack on roses and linden trees but they will eat any plant with a leaf. They resemble the common beetle to our area, the Masked Chaffer. The do a lot more damage to ornamental plants than any other type of beetle. Japanese Beetles tend to feed in groups. If you see one, look a little closer and you will likely see a swarm of them.

If you see them in your landscape plants, start a treatment plan immediately. Most of the widely available insecticides approved for home usage will do a decent job of control. Many of those options will require a few re-treatments to fully take care of the problem, costing you additional time and money. Do you suspect that you may have Japanese Beetles in your landscape? Take a picture and text it to 913-227-4340 and we can identify it and recommend the appropriate course of action.

Tip: Do not use traps designed for Japanese Beetles. The good part about these traps is that they are good at attracting Japanese Beetles. They let you know that there could be a problem coming. The bad part about these traps is that they are also good at attracting Japanese Beetles to your landscape plants for a meal!

Custom Lawn & Landscape offers affordable, timely treatments strictly for Japanese Beetles on any size of tree or shrub in your landscape.

2. Bagworms:

Bagworms on Arborvitae (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

In our Kansas City landscapes, we love evergreen plants. Unfortunately, so do bagworms. Bagworms are the little pine-cone-shaped-cocoon-forming garden insect that can defoliate an entire evergreen tree or shrub in one season. In extreme infestations, they will actually feed on anything that is alive. We have seen them on Crab-Apple trees, Weigela, stucco siding, you name it, they will eat it, or try to! These guys eat all summer long, building a beautiful bag behind them all the way. When it’s time to go to bed for the winter, they attach their bag to the tree, climb inside, lay some eggs and go to sleep for the winter. Wouldn’t that be nice?

When the little eggs hatch in early May, the larvae come out and begin the process all over again. This time of year, you can actually hear and see them moving on your trees. Now is the time to treat for them. As is the case with most control methods, the key is getting them early. It does no good to spray the bags after the worms are done feeding.

Tip: Removing the bags and crushing them, then disposing of them is a good way to handle bagworms if you feel up to it and feel like you can find all of them.

Custom Lawn & Landscape offers treatment for bagworms throughout the season, and we can let you know if your tree or shrub has been too damaged to treat and might be a good candidate for replacement.

3. Spider Mites

While not truly a garden insect, spider mites will do quite a bit of damage if left unchecked. Spider mites are small, almost microscopic mites that live on the undersides of shrubs. They are usually fairly harmless on otherwise healthy plants. When we see prolonged periods of hot, dry weather these mites reproduce at excessive rates. Populations can get out of control and the shrubs they choose to infest can show some pretty significant signs of problems.

Two Spotted Spider Mite Damage on Clematis (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)

Our technicians typically see damage from spider mites on Dwarf Alberta Spruce shrubs. These mites will feed on any available plant material. The damage may appear to be a general localized decline in the health of the plant. It could also manifest as leaves or needles simply falling off of the plant. As with all pests in evergreen trees and shrubs, quick complete control will help to make sure your plants are not damaged for the long term by this seasonal pest.

The best control for spider mites is to keep your plants healthy all season long. Water well, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen and make sure the soil type is correct for the type of plant you have. One particular key is to know the right place for the right plant. That alone will help avoid unnecessary stress to your landscape plants. Change plants that are not suited to the conditions to one that loves those conditions. If you have a shady side of the house, avoid planting sun loving plants there.

The same holds true for well drained soil vs. a very wet area. A well drained soil loving plant will never thrive in an area that keeps its feet wet all the time. There is no cure for planting the wrong plant in the wrong place. Whether it’s spider mites or some other bug, something will eventually kill a plant that isn’t where it wants to be because of the added stress put on the plant.

Tip: If you know you have a spider mite infestation, a hard steady stream of water, two times per week will do a great job of keeping spider mite populations at bay. Direct the stream at the under side of the leaves, of the affected area of your plant. Continue doing so until the hot dry conditions that spider mites love, subside.

Let us help!

What ever may be causing your trees and shrubs to lose their vigor this time of year, Custom Lawn has a solution for you. We can treat the treatable plants or replace the ones that have gone too far to save. Custom Lawn can adjust your sprinklers to make sure the plants are getting watered correctly. Our pros can even re-design your flower bed to make sure you have the right plants in the right place. Let your home town experts make your life easier by providing exceptional service to you and your lawn and landscape. Even if you just want a consultation, our experts are ready and waiting to hear from you.

Coupons – Secondary

First Application Free of 7 Lawn Insect Applications
Tree and Shrub Disease and Insect Control. 1 Free with 6 application program.

The Custom Lawn Advantage

  • Your Personal Technician has a college degree, is experienced, and is your trusted advisor.
  • Environmentally Responsible Approach - Our top concerns are you and your family’s safety & the long term health of our beautiful planet.
  • Always available with a friendly voice.
  • Our goal is to always provide honest advice & real solutions to our customers.
  • We provide full service-residential & commercial lawn care, mowing, & irrigation services. We also maintain your trees, shrubs and landscape.
  • Locally owned by the same family since 1981.

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    Or give us a call us at 913-586-2753

    Rodrigo came out to winterize my sprinkler system. What an amazing ambassador for your company and very knowledgeable and efficient w the Rachio system! Custom Lawn is fortunate to have such a quality team member and technician! Thank you Radrigo and Cuatom Lawn!
    CWO.
    We had winterization done by technician Rene Flores and he was patient, respectful, and detailed-oriented. I was very happy about his great service and will sign up again next year!
    Just like to say Seth our lawn technician does a great job! Our lawn looks great. Thanks Seth
    Our experience with Customer Landscape has from the beginning been amazing. Everyone has been easy to work with.

    Sean O’Dwyer lets us know when he will be at our home. He is very detailed with what treatment he will doing and the condition of our lawn and what we need to do.

    This is our second season with Custom Lawn and Landscape and we have never been disappointed with the service and communication we have received from Sean and the rest of the staff.
    I recommend Custom Lawn and Landscape for your lawn needs. Troy has been great to work with!
    2024 Update:
    Yet again, Jason comes in clutch. This time I had an actual irrigation "emergency" and he immediately knew what to do when he saw it. He also spent the time to educate me on why the issue occurred and made suggestions for the future. I honestly don't know how this guy doesn't run his own operation by now. He's a gem.
    ---------------
    2023 Update:
    I wrote my first review a year ago and I just wanted to come back online and give an update. I've continued using this company and wouldn't dream of going to anyone else. Jason, once again, was truly the best. He's beyond knowledgeable and wants what's best for each of his customers. I really appreciate the time he spends talking through everything before, during and after the service. 10/10 would recommend...still.
    ---------------
    2022 REVIEW:
    I have been searching for a good company to become my go-to irrigation folks and I've 100% found it in Custom Lawn & Landscape. Setting up my appointment through Billy was super easy and he listened to my concerns about a previous experience with another company. He assured me that I would get the best by choosing CL&L.
    They gave me plenty of heads up for my appointment window and Jason G. (the Irrigation Dept. Manager) showed up right on time. He was super kind and very educational. I like to learn and he was all about explaining everything in detail. He found a couple things that were causing issues and after getting my approval, he quickly handled the repair right then and there. He also priced a new controller for me so I could go ahead and start saving up for it as mine is quite a dinosaur!
    I'll definitely continue to use this company for my irrigation needs! I highly recommend them. Bring on summer! Thanks again Jason!
    We have used Custom Lawn for all of our lawn care needs for several years. We have found them to be reliable and responsive to our concerns when we call. Shawn has really been helpful and diligent. I would recommend them if you are looking for a professional lawn care service.
    Sean O’D took over the lawn care for my yard last year. It was in poor to mediocre shape with wild violets and bare spots. But after a year under his care, this spring my lawn is like green carpet. Deep green color and thick without weeds, violets and bare spots. My neighbors have commented on how lush my lawn looks. I’m very pleased.
    Custom lawn have always taken great care of us. Highly recommend!
    We LOVE our guy Cole!
    Thank you for always greeting our crazy dogs and helping me pick their toys up at the last minute (I’m sorry 😬)! We appreciate you moving with us and the great service!
    Seth does a great job, always professional
    I AM SO HAPPY WITH CUSTOM LAWN AND LANDSCAPE! MY GRASS WAS 2 FT TALL. NOW MY YARD IS SO BEAUTIFUL. THANKS TO TROY AND SAM. THANKS TO FRANCISCO AND JOSE P. YOU ALL ARE WONDERFUL FOLKS. YOU GUYS ARE 10 STARS IN MY BOOK. THANKS AGAIN!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    We have been very happy with Custom Lawn and Shawn has been very responsive! Our lawn has never looked better!!
    I wanted to thank Chad for all of his work turning on and replacing heads in our sprinkler system. He has excellent attention to details and is very friendly.
    Our experience with Customer Landscape has from the beginning been amazing. Everyone has been easy to work with.

    Sean O’Dwyer lets us know when he will be at our home. He is very detailed with what treatment he will doing and the condition of our lawn and what we need to do.

    This is our second season with Custom Lawn and Landscape and we have never been disappointed with the service and communication we have received from Sean and the rest of the staff.
    Cole is always awesome and quick with recommendations. Our lawn has never looked better. Customer lawn has given us the perfect lawn!
    Aric Peters
    We LOVE our guy Cole!
    Thank you for always greeting our crazy dogs and helping me pick their toys up at the last minute (I’m sorry 😬)! We appreciate you moving with us and the great service!
    Rene provided us with great service and helped especially with our box demonstrating how it worked and some of the quirks with our system.
    Cole does a nice job, communicates well and my lawn looks great.
    Custom Lawn & Landscape does a fantastic job of taking care of our yard and their communication and information are top notch!
    Cole is not only kind , professional but exceptional in his work ethic. I appreciate all he does for my lawn care. Thank you Cole🌻
    Cole is on top of his game and friendly!
    Just like to say Seth our lawn technician does a great job! Our lawn looks great. Thanks Seth
    Sean never misses a spot. He genuinely cares about my lawn and customers. Great communication as well. Thanks
    Sean O’ Dwyer has been taking care of our yard for the past several seasons and it is always immaculate because of the work he does. I never have to worry about weeds, sparse grass or anything. He is always detailed about what he does! Thank you Sean
    Our technician, Sean O’Dwyer, has done a great job on our lawn! I appreciate the advance notice that our yard will be serviced and he takes great care that our dogs don’t escape!
    Cole does a good job keeping me up to date on his servicing of the lawn. Have been pleased with Custom Lawn for a long time.
    We love custom lawn and landscape. They have great technicians but our favorite is Cole Jensen. He proactively communicates with us what day he will be coming. He always gives us great feedback on the condition of our lawn and information about each application he applies. He is kind and easy to work with!
    Michele Schwab
    Thank you to Troy Wingert and his team for customizing a program for my lawn. Great customer experience and look forward to working with Troy and crew moving forward!!!
    Talk to Troy today and he was extremely accommodating and eilling to customize services for our needs! I left today feeling like my patronage mattered!
    When Custom Lawn took over my lawn maintenance, I had a weak lawn with bare spots and weeds. Now I have the best lawn on the block, thick beautiful grass and no weeds. Cole is always willing to go the extra mile to take care of us.
    During the rainy season you may call it Chaos! I call it good lawn service from Custom Lawn. I have never had a tire Spin in my yard because of mowing wet grass! Luis and Elmer mow, trim, blow off my driveway and patio. They are very courteous, respectful and when they leave my home it is always "a good job well done." Thank you Luis and Elmer. I highly recommend Custom Lawn Service to do your Landscaping and mowing.
    Jason is very professional, polite and takes great care of us year after year!
    Sean O'Dwyer is THE BEST Lawn Specialist....he helps make our yard look amazing!!
    Jason has serviced my irrigation for years and does a great job! Always friendly and professional. Has a thorough knowledge of the system.
    Cole has been great informing us & doing a great job for our lawn!
    Cole at Custom Lawn does a great job of keeping us advised on the needs of our lawn. He responds to our requests quickly. Cole lets us know when treatment is scheduled and never treats our lawn unless we have given the ok. We appreciate Cole’s high level of communication. We have used Custom Lawn for 2 years and notice and HUGE difference in our lawn. It is beautiful!!!!
    Always can count on Custom Lawn to meet and exceed my expectations of a great lawn. Always on time, great products that do the job, expert lawn specialist to give me needed information on keeping my lawn looking great. Always on time with applications. Thank you, Sean.
    I recommend Custom Lawn and Landscape for your lawn needs. Troy has been great to work with!
    We are very pleased with the service we recieved from Custom Lawn. Jason was very helpful, professional and efficient. He arrived on time, explained the services he was to perform and he was able to troubleshoot and rectify another problem we were having with our sprinkler system. Thank you for the great customer service.
    We have used Custom Lawn for all of our lawn care needs for several years. We have found them to be reliable and responsive to our concerns when we call. Shawn has really been helpful and diligent. I would recommend them if you are looking for a professional lawn care service.
    We are absolutely thrilled with the results of Cole Jensen's work from Custom Lawn! Throughout the year, Cole has diligently applied fertilizer to our lawn. Our lawn is lush, green, and immaculate, standing out beautifully compared to our neighbors' yards, which are plagued with weeds and dandelions. Cole's expertise and dedication have truly made a difference, and we couldn't be happier with the service provided. Thank you, Cole, for giving us a lawn we can be proud of!
    Sean O’D took over the lawn care for my yard last year. It was in poor to mediocre shape with wild violets and bare spots. But after a year under his care, this spring my lawn is like green carpet. Deep green color and thick without weeds, violets and bare spots. My neighbors have commented on how lush my lawn looks. I’m very pleased.
    Sean O'Dwyer has helped care for our yard through Custom Lawn and Landscape for a few years. Sean is polite, prompt and very professional. We highly recommend Sean and the team at Custom Lawn and Landscape. Good Work, guys!
    Jason does great work, awesome as always! We like that he shows us what he did, explains it and answers questions. Very professional
    Jason did a tremendous job repairing a break in the irrigation system and getting the sprinklers ready for the year. He was very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and communicative. I’ll be working with Custom on winterization of my sprinklers moving forward.
    Jason at Custom Lawn and Landscape was absolutely wonderful. We had an issue getting our sprinkler system to start up this season and he knew exactly how to fix it. Was very informative, answered all my questions and was very personable. Highly recommend Jason.
    Sean O’Dywer was wonderful! Answered all my questions, very thorough and professional, always prompt!
    Custom lawn have always taken great care of us. Highly recommend!
    We had winterization done by technician Rene Flores and he was patient, respectful, and detailed-oriented. I was very happy about his great service and will sign up again next year!
    Rodrigo came out to winterize my sprinkler system. What an amazing ambassador for your company and very knowledgeable and efficient w the Rachio system! Custom Lawn is fortunate to have such a quality team member and technician! Thank you Radrigo and Cuatom Lawn!
    CWO.
    Wonderful service all year. Always on time, my yard had never looked better.
    Thanks for the extra care you have shown me. Thanks, Pam Thomas
    2024 Update:
    Yet again, Jason comes in clutch. This time I had an actual irrigation "emergency" and he immediately knew what to do when he saw it. He also spent the time to educate me on why the issue occurred and made suggestions for the future. I honestly don't know how this guy doesn't run his own operation by now. He's a gem.
    ---------------
    2023 Update:
    I wrote my first review a year ago and I just wanted to come back online and give an update. I've continued using this company and wouldn't dream of going to anyone else. Jason, once again, was truly the best. He's beyond knowledgeable and wants what's best for each of his customers. I really appreciate the time he spends talking through everything before, during and after the service. 10/10 would recommend...still.
    ---------------
    2022 REVIEW:
    I have been searching for a good company to become my go-to irrigation folks and I've 100% found it in Custom Lawn & Landscape. Setting up my appointment through Billy was super easy and he listened to my concerns about a previous experience with another company. He assured me that I would get the best by choosing CL&L.
    They gave me plenty of heads up for my appointment window and Jason G. (the Irrigation Dept. Manager) showed up right on time. He was super kind and very educational. I like to learn and he was all about explaining everything in detail. He found a couple things that were causing issues and after getting my approval, he quickly handled the repair right then and there. He also priced a new controller for me so I could go ahead and start saving up for it as mine is quite a dinosaur!
    I'll definitely continue to use this company for my irrigation needs! I highly recommend them. Bring on summer! Thanks again Jason!
    Excellent - Jason does great job. Best in the business.