Difference Between Grub Damage & a Dry Yard

Similarities

• On first examination, both dry and grub-infested lawns exhibit similar signs of damage. Deep into the summer months, lawns begin to appear dry, with whole patches of dying grass; the damage seems to spread. However, a closer look will reveal a huge difference between mere dryness and a true grub problem. Dry lawns tend to die out in the areas most exposed to unrelenting sun and lack of water. Lawns affected by grubs first suffer a thinning of their grasses. Then, whole patches begin to succumb. The tell-tale sign of grubs, however, can quickly be found in the roots of the grass. Just dig out a patch or two of the affected areas. If you see the tiny eggs, worms or beetles, you have grubs.

Dry Lawns

• Particularly dry summers can stress a lawn to the point of killing off growth and causing substantial damage. You can take several steps to assure that your lawn has the power to overcome dry summer damage. If you're planting a new lawn, choose drought-resistant seed, and be sure to fertilize regularly. A healthy, nutrient-rich lawn builds a better root system, requires less water and is better prepared to withstand drought. Also, avoid overwatering; a half-inch of water twice a week is all most established lawns require.

Grubs

• Grub damage can be fast and devastating to a lawn. Lawn grubs are small white worms that are the larva of the scarab beetle. They feed on the roots of plants, first weakening them, and killing them outright if left untreated. Once a lawn is infected, grubs and the damage they do increase exponentially. A lawn affected in the summer will likely begin the next spring already infected.

Control

• Nurseries and garden shops stock commercial products to kill grubs. Follow their directions carefully and be aware that grubs can be difficult to fully eradicate. It may take more than one application to rid your yard of the pests.

Prevention

• Once you've killed off the grubs, their beetles and eggs, you'll probably have to replant a good portion of your lawn. Depending on your growing zone and grass species, plant in either the spring or fall. Be sure to fertilize and be ever-vigilant against new infestations -- catching grubs early forestalls serious damage and grubs are less likely to take residence in healthy lawns. Check your lawn frequently for signs of grubs and treat immediately.