Green Valley Lawn Care Blog

3 min read

Noticed strange yellow streaks or “tire tracks” running across your lawn this summer? It might not be your mower’s fault — it could be Ascochyta leaf blight. Learn what it is, why it happens, and how to help your lawn recover.

2 min read

When summer heat beats down on your lawn, it’s already under stress. But when invisible armies of insects start feeding, those brown spots can spread like wildfire. Are you dealing with drought… or dinner?

Here’s the real story on summer’s most destructive lawn pests — and how to fight back.

4 min read

If you’ve noticed strange brown spots, circular patches, thinning areas, or even fuzzy white growth on your lawn this summer, you’re not alone. Our hot, humid Central NJ summers—covering Belle Mead, Skillman, Hillsborough, Princeton, and nearby areas—create perfect conditions for lawn diseases.

If you're wondering:

“Why does my lawn suddenly look sick?”

Here’s what’s really going on.

5 min read

If you live in Central New Jersey, chances are your lawn is made up of a mix of cool-season grasses — but not all turf types are created equal. Some lawns still carry older blends heavy in Kentucky bluegrass or perennial rye, while newer or better-managed properties are trending toward tall fescue — and for good reason.

At Green Valley, we manage hundreds of lawns across Belle Mead, Princeton, Skillman, and Hillsborough. We’ve seen firsthand which grasses hold up — and which fall apart — when summer hits.

Tall fescue stands up to drought, resists disease, and requires less fertilizer to look good.
Bluegrass looks great… until it doesn’t.
Rye? Quick to sprout, quick to die.

This guide breaks down the most common turf types you’ll find in Central NJ — and makes the case for why tall fescue is the future of reliable, low-maintenance lawns in our region.

3 min read

How Proper Lawn Height Prevents Drought Stress and Weeds

As summer heat ramps up across Central New Jersey, one of the most important things you can do for your lawn isn't about watering or fertilizing — it's about how high you're mowing.

At Green Valley Lawn Care, we’re currently raising mowing heights on all properties. This subtle shift is a powerful way to protect your lawn from heat stress, drought, and unwanted weeds.

3 min read

If you’re seeing lush green grass right now, don’t get too comfortable — beneath the surface, grub eggs are about to hatch, and they’ll be hungry for your lawn’s roots soon.

Here in Belle Mead, Skillman, Princeton, and all across Central New Jersey, late June through mid-July is prime time to prevent grub damage before it starts.

3 min read

If you live in Skillman, Belle Mead, Princeton, or Hillsborough, you're probably asking the same question as many of my customers:

"Why is my lawn still brown — even though I water every day?"

The answer depends on a lot more than just whether your sprinkler is on. With the upcoming NJ heatwave and signs of drought stress, understanding how, when, and how much to water can make all the difference between a brown, dormant lawn and a green, resilient one.

So let’s dive into your most frequently asked questions — and what you really need to know about summer lawn watering during heat stress.

5 min read

Seeing strange weeds take over your lawn this summer? In Central New Jersey towns like Skillman, Belle Mead, Hillsborough, Princeton, and Hopewell, two of the most common culprits are nutsedge and crabgrass — and while they might look similar, they behave very differently. At Green Valley Lawn Care, we help homeowners identify which weed is popping up and apply the right treatment to stop it fast. Here’s how to spot the difference and what to do next if your lawn’s under attack.

3 min read

Are you seeing bright yellow-green grass blades sticking out above the rest of your lawn — even just a few days after mowing? You’re not alone. This time of year, nutsedge starts popping up quickly across Central New Jersey lawns in Belle Mead, Skillman, Hillsborough, Princeton, Hopewell, and Pennington and it’s one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners.

Let’s break it down.

3 min read

If you’re spotting reddish-pink thread-like patches in your lawn this spring, you’re likely dealing with red thread, a common lawn fungus that often appears during cool, humid weather. While red thread can look alarming, it is mostly a cosmetic foliar disease that rarely causes permanent damage to your grass.

7 min read

Is your lawn being overtaken by weird grass you can’t identify? From crabgrass to creeping bentgrass, many homeowners in Skillman, Belle Mead, and Princeton, New Jersey face common grassy weeds that can be tough to control. In this blog, we break down the most common grassy weeds in the region, how to identify them, and practical tips for managing them. Whether they’re controllable or not, we’ll help you navigate your options for a healthier, weed-free lawn.

4 min read

Ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy with professional irrigation maintenance. Optimize your system for maximum efficiency, saving you water, money, and time. Whether it's fixing leaks, adjusting zones, or upgrading your timer, professionals handle the complexities so you don’t have to.

4 min read

Princeton’s new gas-powered leaf blower restrictions are driving a shift toward electric blowers. Electric blowers are quieter, reduce emissions, and offer long-term cost savings. At Green Valley, we’ve upgraded to Greenworks backpack blowers for improved efficiency and quieter operation. However, the transition isn’t without challenges — smaller companies may struggle with battery management and charging infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, Princeton’s move toward sustainable landscaping is setting the standard for eco-friendly lawn care. Ready to make the switch? Contact Green Valley today for expert lawn care!

5 min read

Want a lush, weed-free lawn this summer? The key is timing your pre-emergent crabgrass control just right! 🌱 In Skillman, Belle Mead, Hillsborough, Princeton, Hopewell, and Pennington, NJ, early spring is the best time to stop crabgrass and invasive Japanese stiltgrass before they take over. Learn when and how to apply pre-emergent herbicides, why early applications can also prevent stiltgrass, and what to do if you miss the window. Plus, we cover post-emergent crabgrass treatments—and why some can make things worse! Read our full guide now to keep your lawn looking its best. 💚 [Read More]

3 min read

Get Your Lawn & Garden Ready for Spring with Professional Clean-Up Services
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your lawn and garden, and Green Valley Landscapes is here to help! Our spring clean-up service includes cutting back perennials, trimming shrubs, weeding, and edging your garden beds. With our local knowledge and trained crews, we ensure your property is primed for the growing season ahead. Serving Skillman, Belle Mead, Hillsborough, Princeton, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free estimate!