We've been using a lawn care company the last couple of years, to get a better looking lawn. lol! They do 5 applications throughout the season, and although I don't know off hand what they applied, I am positive they fertilized in March or April and applied some grub control later in the year, as well as a weed preventative same time as fertilizer and again sometime during the summer. I don't water regularly, it is a pretty big yard. I water if they applied something that required it ( if it didn't rain) and if there is a period of heat with no rain. We used to mow it about 3" but last year kept it a bit shorter, 2" maybe. Sorry I have no idea what kind of grass or mixture it is. The worst damage seems to be under or very near to the base of bushes, like my lilacs and rose of sharon as well as around the boxwoods. also, the edges closest to a stone foundation.

Either they're lying low in the heat, or something has frightened them off. If you're in a rural to semi-rural area, it could be a predator bird like a hawk or a predator animal like a bobcat. It could even be a feral/wild formerly domesticated kitty. Could be something like a ring-tailed cat, raccoon or possum. Could be a snake slithering around trying to eat the bird eggs. There's lots of possibilities. Our feeder birds are feeding extremely early in the morning and extremely late in the evenings...just before sunrise and right before or even after sunset and otherwise are not very visible. I think they're just trying to lie low and say cool. Be sure you have a water source for them. Our two birdbaths and large man-made wildlife puddle are getting plenty of visits from thirsty birds and small animals. Also, even birds that generally visit feeders and eat the bird seed will spend more time hunting for insects to feed to their babies when they have nestlings. The time they spend doing that may be preventing them from coming to your feeders.

It looks like it has been over-watered(over-loved). You should remove the drip plate from under it and set the pot on a towel to wick moisture or just let it drain, then don't water it again until the soil is dry finger deep. It may also need more light/sun, but do so gradually. Also, you could start a few more cuttings as a back-up. HTH

I have the same thing happening on one of my peach trees (redhaven) that i planted this year (I also live just south of Omaha). So i have been keeping a close eye on it, about every two weeks i treat it with neem oil (I have had to use Seven and Pyrethrin to kill the beetles). So far, the color is still much yellower then i like, but it doesn't look any worse since i started treating. Since it was a fresh planing this year the nursery i got it from swears that i should not feed it until it has been in the ground for a full year (they also provide a 2 year warranty so i am willing to abide). Historically, we are not in a great location for peaches, i planted my first peaches last year, and both have gone through phases this year where they look stressed. But micro climates and being diligent gives me hope that they will thrive when fully established.