When you do all the things necessary to achieve a healthy and robust lawn, you also make your lawn incredibly attractive to some of its biggest enemies. Turfgrass needs thick, juicy roots in order to thrive, as well as robust top growth. The healthier the turf, the more attractive it is to grubs and armyworms.
Grubs are stubby, white worms that are about an inch long. They are the larval version of several varieties of beetles. Young grubs will begin feeding in the summer and eat the most in early fall. They then remain in the ground over the winter and resume feeding in the spring before transforming into adult beetles.
Grub damage can resemble drought or heat stress. You may also notice irregular patches of turf that is turning brown. Once you notice the damage, your roots have already been eaten. If your turf looks dead or dying, try pulling it up from the ground. If it easily separates from the soil, you most likely have grubs. Preventative treatments are recommended to control grubs.
Armyworms are moth larvae that become active in mid to late summer. These worms feast on turf blades in preparation for their adult lives as moths. Army worms can go largely unnoticed because they do most of their feeding at night as they strip away a huge volume of turf blades.
Armyworm damage may look like your lawn is going dormant. Upon closer examination you will notice that the green grass blades have been eaten. Armyworms can be transported in new sod or from another property. If you see large groups of birds pecking at your lawn, it may mean that they have found army worms.
If you are having new sod installed, we recommend that you treat for Armyworms. Armyworms can destroy new sod in a couple days time.
Both of these pests can be addressed with the proper treatment. If you have questions or concerns about these two unwelcome guests, give us a call today! To request an estimate, Click here.
Agropro provides Lawn Care and Plant Health Care services to the following areas in North Georgia: Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, Canton, Cumming, Dunwoody, Holly Springs, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, and Woodstock.