From pollen to June bugs… here’s what’s happening in Central Texas yards right now.
Let’s start with the weather.
We didn’t get a ton rain this past week (volume), but what we did get came as a light drizzle, which is perfect. Slow rain means more water is absorbed into the soil instead of running off—great news for your plants. And even better news: we’ve got more rain in the forecast this week.
Mosquito Warning
Warm weather + standing water = mosquito breeding season. If you’ve got toys, buckets, or water tables outside (like the one in my yard), now’s the time to dump them out. One little puddle can turn into a mosquito party real fast.
Live Oaks: Leaves Out, Pollen In
We’re nearing the end of live oak leaf drop, but that means we’re just beginning pollen season. You’ve probably noticed those little tassels—called catkins—starting to form. They’re full of oak pollen, which can wreak havoc on allergies and coat your car in a yellow dust. Rain will help keep the pollen at bay, but be ready for a few messy weeks.
Deciduous Trees Are Waking Up
From red oaks to Monterey oaks and sycamores, trees are starting to leaf out across Austin. It’s still early for some, depending on their microclimates, but spring growth is definitely in motion.
Weeds, Blooms & Bugs
- Dandelions – They’re popping up everywhere. Pretty? Yes. Friendly to your lawn? Not so much.
- Knockout Roses – Blooming beautifully right now. Pro tip: clip a rose just above a node and you’ll often get two new stems from that spot. More blooms, more beauty.
- Variety of Trees & Shrubs – We’re seeing new growth on sycamores, Monterey oaks, and other deciduous plants.
- June Bugs – Yup, they’re back. They’re harmless as adults (just clumsy fliers), but their larvae—grubs—can damage your lawn by eating turf roots. If you see lots of June bugs, it might be worth watching for grub activity later this summer.
Takeaways for Your Yard This Week:
- Check your irrigation: if you got a good soak, you can skip a cycle. If not, now’s the time to water.
- Clean up standing water to stop mosquitoes before they start.
- Get ready for pollen, and if you have allergies… stock up.
- Keep an eye out for bugs and weeds—both are making their seasonal debut.
Spring is here, y’all. Let us know if we can help you prep your yard for the weeks ahead!
— The Top Choice Lawn Care Team