West Palm Beach Landscape Maintenance Company - Leaf Loss

Recently, a new pest was reported attacking ficus plants in Miami, Florida when landscapers and nurserymen began to observe mass defoliation (leaf loss) of these varieties. This pest was identified as the fig whitefly, Singhiella simplex, and is new to Palm Beach County. This whitefly has been most commonly found infesting weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) but has also been seen on other varieties. Whiteflies typically feed on the underside of leaves with their "needle-like" mouthparts. They can seriously injure host plants by sucking juices from them. The leaves of ficus plants infested with whiteflies will turn yellow as defoliation begins. Ficus plants without their leaves is the most obvious symptom of a whitefly infestation.

If the foliage is disturbed the small, white gnat-like adult whiteflies can be seen flying from the foliage. They resemble flying dandruff as they are only 1/16th of an inch in length. Unfortunately, they are virtually invisible from more than a few feet away. For this reason, our experience so far has been to spray infested areas only after defoliation has begun.

Your lawn can reveal more about your property than you might think. Grass often responds to changes in soil long before other landscape plants show visible signs of stress. Paying attention to color, growth, and texture can help you spot potential issues early.  

Understanding these clues is an important part of effective Florida lawn care because healthy soil supports healthier grass, stronger roots, and a more attractive landscape. 

What Your Lawn Reveals About Your Soil 

Yellowing Grass May Point to Nutrient Deficiencies 

Grass that appears pale or yellow may indicate the soil lacks essential nutrients. Nitrogen deficiencies are common, though other minerals can also affect color. A soil test helps determine what your lawn needs before applying fertilizer. 

Thin or Patchy Areas Can Signal Compacted Soil  

If parts of your lawn refuse to grow well, compacted soil may be limiting root growth. Heavy foot traffic and repeated rainfall can compress the ground, making it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. 

Standing Water Suggests Drainage Problems 

Water that lingers after rain often points to poor drainage. Saturated soil limits oxygen around the roots, weakening the lawn over time and creating favorable conditions for weeds and disease. 

Fast Weed Growth Can Reveal Soil Imbalances 

Large weed populations may indicate poor soil quality, improper pH levels, or thinning turf. Removing weeds alone rarely solves the underlying problem. 

Professional Florida Lawn Care for Healthier Landscapes 

Healthy soil is the foundation of a beautiful lawn. Our team at O'Hara Landscape provides professional Florida lawn care services to identify soil issues and recommend effective solutions. Contact us today to help your lawn stay healthy, green, and thriving year-round.