Lawns can be affected by many different ailments, but there are definitely some that are more common than others, those are the ones we will try to outline for you here.
* Grubs – Creamy white in color, about 1/2-1″ in length, these are the larvae of Japanese beetle and June Bug. The adult beetles destroy your shrubs, the young larvae destroy your lawn. They chew on grass roots, causing the lawn to die. The easiest way to recognise this problem is patches of brown grass which can easily be lifted up (almost like lifting a carpet). Synthetic control is available, though the most effective control is “milky spore”, a bacteria which attacks and kills the grubs.
* Chlorosis – Yellowing of grass shoots, lack of iron is often a major cause of this symptom. Adding “ironite” or chelated iron should help to alleviate the problem.
* Brown Patch – A fungus which attacks during hot, humid weather, it’s name is derived from the tell-tale circular brown patches that appear in the lawn. Fungal controls are available to treat it, though they are more effective as a preventative. It is also important to not overuse Fertilizers which are high in Nitrogen, as this gives the fungal spores a perfect environment to live in.
* Fertilizer Burn – The cause of this is using too much High Nitrogen Fertilizer, and is identifiable by yellow/brown grass. Usually, unless the fertilizer was hand spread, it will also be visible in streaks. The asiest way to avoid this problem from occurring is to use a well balanced, slow release, fertilizer. Incidentally, pets urinating on the lawn will also give the same effect, except it will be seen in circular patches instead.
* Bermuda Grass – Broad leaved grass that has extensive runners which, if left unchecked, can run into natural areas. “control” can be achieved with Turflon Ester, or using Round-up will provide total kill, provided an area around the main plant is also covered.
* Crabgrass – Thick leaved, weedy grass, which grows in clumps. Has a tall seedhead which will diperse many seeds throughout the lawn if left untreated. The most effective way to rid your lawn of Crabgrass is to use a pre-emergent herbicide in the late Winter/early Spring. Post Emergent products for killing actively growing Crabgrass are also available.