Grubs
Description:
Creamy white and C-shaped with three pairs of legs; grow to 1/2 - 1" long; June Beetle larvae.
Infestation:
Feed on roots and other underground plant parts; severely damaged lawns lose vigor and turn brown and can be lifted by hand like a carpet; most lawn damage occurs during summer and fall months.
Attacks:
St. Augustine, bermuda, zoysia, buffalo grass
Prevention/Solutions:
Promote healthy roots in your lawn by mowing high and watering effectively. Only treat when more than 5-10 grubs per square foot are found. The most effective time for treatment is mid-June to late July. Apply beneficial nematodes, (tiny worms that kill grubs) to affected areas--be sure to water them in.
Shade Stress
Description:
Turf grass thins and disappears, leaving bare patches of soil or areas of weeds.
Affects:
Buffalo grass and bermuda grass do not grow well in shaded areas.
Solutions:
Choose shade tolerant groundcovers or shade tolerant turf grasses (such as Zoysia and St. Augustine) to plant in shady areas. Thin out branches of trees a bit to "brighten" shady areas. Set mower higher to allow more leaf blade to capture sunlight. Minimize foot traffic or pet activity in shady areas.
Drought Stress
Description:
Grass looks blue-green or silverish. The individual leaf blades in the lawn curl. Footprints remain in the lawn when you step on it. The soil under the lawn is dry.
Tolerance to Drought:
All turf can survive some drought stress, although some types of turf require less water than others:
•Buffalo VERY DROUGHT TOLERANT
•Bermuda, Zoysia DROUGHT TOLERANT
•St. Augustine DROUGHT TOLERANT IN SHADE ONLY
Prevention/Solutions:
Choose drought tolerant turf grass. Irrigate efficiently by watering deeply and infrequently; water to a depth of 4 to 6 inches every time you water, and allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Chinch Bugs
Description:
Adults are small and slender; 1/6" to 1/5" long with black bodies and whitish wings; wings are clear with black "bases" on forewings; recently hatched nymphs are wingless, pinkish-red, with a light-colored band across their backs.
Infestation:
Cause expanding, irregular patches of dead or stunted grass surrounded by a halo of yellowing, dying grass; typically begins in a sunny location adjacent to a concrete walkway or curb. Damage can increase rapidly, especially in sunny locations during hot, dry weather.
Attacks:
Primarily St. Augustine grass; may feed on zoysia or bermuda grass
Prevention/Solutions:
Prevent drought stress in your lawn. Irrigate efficiently . Make your yard a haven for beneficial predator insects, such as big-eyed bugs, and birds by avoiding the wide use of lawn chemicals. Check for chinch bug infestation on the grass blades at the edges of affected areas. Use insecticidal soap or other least toxic treatments. Spot treat only infested areas if there are signs of damage.
