Troubleshooting Common Insect And Weed Problems
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| Problem (Appearance/Symptoms) |
Cause | Solution |
Dandelions – familiar perennial plant with |
Unwanted growth; compacted soil and thin turf cover |
Aerate soil; hand pull or use a simple garden tool to remove 80% of root. Overseed areas with rye seed and aerate |
Crabgrass – Low-growing annual with shallow roots and short, pointed, hairy leaves |
Close mowing and soil compaction; nutrient-deficient soil, short mowing and soil compaction |
Raise mowing height and hand pull. Cut high, fertilize, aerate and water. The application of Gypsum can help reduce salinity in curb areas; apply organic fertilizers |
Common Plantain – Low-growing perennial with wide oval leaves |
Thin turf cover and low nutrients in soil |
Pull by hand. Cut high, fertilize, aerate and de-thatch; apply organic fertilizers and overseed |
Chinch Bug – Brown or yellow patches, particularly near driveways and sidewalks |
Drought stress, excessive thatch, poor soil environment; stressed or weakened grasses caused by soil compaction and shallow watering |
In the short term, use insecticidal soap. De-thatch and overseed with pest-resistant grasses like rye to help repair impact. Over the long term, build strong soil, water deeply when necessary or as permitted
Water deeply once a week; apply diatomaceous earth; de-thatch and apply soap and water every |
White Grub – Spongy dead patches that lift easily; common in spring and again in late-summer to early-fall |
Weather conditions and general lawn health are important to development of grub problems. Grubs feed on grass roots, which causes patches of grass to wilt and turn brown. As grubs increase in numbers, dead patches can spread across the lawn |
Nematodes (a biological pest control product) can work against most grub species when applied correctly. You can repair grub damage by raking the area, applying compost or topsoil and them re-seeding
De-thatch – water deeply; apply organic fertilizer; use soap and water or parasitic nematodes for major infestations; over-seed with ryegrass and fescues |
European Crane Fly |
The larvae (known as leatherjackets) feed primarily on turf on home lawns, golf courses and sometimes pasture grasses. They feed during the day at or below the surface of the turf on root hairs, roots and crowns. On damp warm nights, they migrate to the surface of the turf and eat stems and grass blades). Damage to turf in Ontario occurs during the month of May. |
There are no products registered for use in Ontario on home lawns. There are several cultural methods to controlling leatherjackets as well. Firstly, the eggs are sensitive to soil moisture and the larvae strive in moist conditions, therefore the drainage of areas with chronic problems should be checked and possibly improved. Furthermore, avoid irrigating dry turf in the fall if an infestation is predicted. Maintaining vigorous turf growth with proper fertilizer levels and soil pH may ward off severe damage. If an infestation is occurring, raking the larvae up at night when they come to the surface to feed and submerging them in soapy water may alleviate the problems. |
Dollar spot – Small pale circles |
Dry soil and nitrogen deficiencies |
Add organic material; mow infected tips and discard clippings |
Summer patches – Dead patches then brown rings; during humid summers |
Dead patches then brown rings; during humid summers |
Mow higher and apply organic fertilizer |