A few years ago my lawn became distressed when workmen took too long in putting up our aluminum siding. Since then every August and September, grubs invade our lawn. I re-seed in the spring only to get the thinning and brown patches start all over again in late summer. Chemicals are out of the question. Does anyone have advice on a way to protect my grass, but get rid of the grubs?
Birds and moles like grubs.
Assuming you are talking about northern (cool season) lawn grasses...
Water and fertilize through the summer rather than letting it go dormant. If you can keep it actively growing, the grass can outpace the grubs (this is per the MSU extension service). The beetles are less likely to lay eggs in a well-watered turf. Once the turf is back thick and full again, you maybe can ease back on the summer watering -- but during *really* dry spells make sure it gets watered at least one inch every three weeks even if you've let it go dormant for the summer.
I remember reading about research using a finely spiked machine running over the turf in late summer to skewer grubs. Don't know if that ever proved practical...
Let your lawn grow a little longer and the starlings should come in to forage... 3-4 inches.
Thank you all for the three recent postings.
I will water in the hot months rather than let the lawn go dormant, and hopefully the grass will grow for the birds to pick out my grubs.
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