Solutions to Common Lawn & Garden Problems
Insect Pests
It is important to remember that insects are a natural part of lawns. The best defense against insect invasion is a healthy and well-maintained lawn. Regular inspection of your lawn can help detect problems. Look for signs of insect-related problems in leaves, stems, roots, thatch and soil.
Here are some identified pests and natural solutions to keep your lawn & garden healthy.
Sod worms
Damage
- Sod worms leave behind soft grub damage where areas of turf can be lifted like a carpet
- They also leave behind green fecal pellets in the areas they are feeding
Prevention
- De-thatch
- Proper watering (especially during hot, dry periods)
- Aerate
- Mow smart
Solution
- Grass species with endophytic fungi shows resistance to sod webworm feeding
- Overseed, or sod damaged areas
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Leatherjacket (crane fly larvae)
Damage
- Leatherjackets feed on grass root hairs, roots and crowns. On warm, damp nights they move to the surface and eat stems and grass blades
- They can cause patchy lawn damage
Prevention
- De-thatch and improve drainage
- Aerate
- Mow smart
Solution
- Nematodes, which are naturally occurring microscopic worms, can be applied if larvae are present
- Best if applied in the fall
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Bluegrass billbug
Damage
- Bluegrass billbugs usually do not destroy entire lawns. Damage is usually spotty
- Damage begins with small groups of plants turning yellow and dying and occurs in July to mid-August
Prevention
- The best defence is to keep your lawn healthy
Solution
- Grass with endophytic fungi show resistance to billbug feeding
- Nematodes(naturally occurring microscopic worms) can be applied to help with control
- Overseed, or sod damaged areas
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Chinch Bugs
Damage
- Chinch bugs suck plant juices from the grass, leaves and stems
- Brown or yellow patches or sunken turf
- With heavy infestation, large areas of turf may die
Prevention
- Proper watering (especially during hot dry periods)
- Overseed with perennial ryegrass and fescue
- De-thatch
Solution
- Plant grass species that contain endophytic fungi to show resistance
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Grubs
Damage
- Grubs feed on the grass roots causing the grass to die.
- They leave a spongy dead patch that lifts off easily if your lawn is unhealthy.
Prevention
- Mow smart
- Water deeply
- Aerate
- Overseed
- Topdress
- Fertilize
Solution
- Apply beneficial nematodes, (naturally occurring microscopic worms) for some control
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Aphids
Damage
- Aphids suck plant sap and can transmit viruses that can kill the plant
- Most plants can tolerate small amounts of aphids with low to moderate damage
Prevention
- De-thatch
- Plant flowers to attract beneficial insects
Solution
- Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs which help keep aphids in check
- A strong jet of water can be used to wash of aphids from plants
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