| White Grubs White grubs are the most serious and destructive lawn insect pests in Illinois. While not all lawns will get grubs and the extent of grub damage varies from year to year, there are some important points to consider concerning managing grubs in lawns. Grubs are white in color, with a characteristic "C" shape body when found in the soil feeding on lawn roots. Grubs are the larval stage of beetles. The most common grub species in our area is the annual white grub, of which the adult is a tan chafer beetle. Eggs are laid in the soil in mid-summer, primarily on well-watered lawns in full sun, often near pavement. Damage from annual white grubs typically starts in mid August and may continue until early October. Since grubs feed on the roots of lawn grasses, damage will appear as browning of the lawn. Consider that this also could be due to problems such as drought, poor soil, and diseases. However, grubs are easy to find by lifting sod in damaged areas and checking the root zone for the whitish grubs. Don't treat for grubs that don't exist! Skunks and raccoons may tear up lawns in search of grubs, even when grub numbers are relatively low. Typically a population of about 8 to 12 grubs per square foot causes lawn damage that requires control; whereas lower populations may not damage the grass, they may attract skunks, moles and raccoons. Treatment: Grub Control We treat for grubs during the autumn months (August - October) using an insecticide specifically developed for eliminating grubs. NOTE: Spring treatment for annual white grub is not suggested since the grubs feed for a short period of time in spring and are reaching maturity, thus are not controlled easily. In addition, turfgrasses are actively growing at that time so usually don’t show damage. |
| Sod Webworm Sod webworms feed by clipping leaf blades off close to the soil surface. Heavy feeding will cause irregular brown areas of grass stubble. The sod webworm larva, which is actually a caterpillar, can be difficult to find as it readily hides in thatch and debris. The adult, which does not feed, is a small whitish moth that will only fly a short distance when disturbed. At rest, the moths fold their wings back over their body and appear tubelike. Adult moths lay eggs by dropping them over the lawn. If lots of sod webworm moths are observed in the evening, watch for damage in about 10 to 14 days. Early August is typically when we see the heaviest damage, although sometimes damage is also heavy in June. Treatment: Sod Webworm Control We apply a special insecticide to the damaged areas. Typically, above ground insects like webworm will be affected within 2 to 4 days of treatment |
| Dandelions Cool Season Perennial Dandelions occur in most lawns throughout the growing season, especially thin turf areas. They reproduce by seed and root pieces. Treatment: Weed Control We apply a postemergence herbicide during periods of active growth in mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late autumn. |
| Crabgrass Summer Annual Can be found in most warm, moist fertile lawns in sun where turf is thin or mowed too short. They will tolerate hot, dry, compacted soils after establishment and may spread aggressively to crowd out desirable grass. Treatment: Crabgrass Control We apply a preemergence herbicide before germination when the ground temperatures stabilize at 50 degrees for several consecutive days. |
| Ground Ivy Cool Season Perennial This weed normally occurs in shaded sights with poorly drained, fertile soils. It can also spread into sunny areas. Ground ivy flowers occur April to June. Treatment: Weed Control We apply a postemergence herbicide in mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late autumn when it is actively growing. NOTE: Ground ivy is difficult to control, and is used as a ground cover in shady areas. |
| Tall Fescue Cool season perennial Tall Fescue is a clumpy, coarse, bunch -type grass that develops a deep root system from which wide leaves emerge. The leaves are flat, dark green, and up to 1/2 inch wide. The upper surface has distinctive veins, the margins are rough and the tip sharp pointed. It typically grows much taller and faster than other types of grasses, making it noticeable a few days after mowing your grass. Treatment: Non-Selective Weed Control (such as Round Up) You can spray a non-selective weed control directly on the leaves. WARNING: This will kill some of the grass around it, too, so be very sparing. You may then need to reseed to fill in the area. |
| Henbit Winter Annual Henbit stems droop and then turn upright to grow to 16 inches tall. They may root where they touch the ground. They are square, green to purplish, and smooth or hairy. The roots are fibrous. Henbit flowers are tubular, pink to red to purple, and borne in whorls in the upper leaf axils. They appear to have two lips and are up to 3/4 inch long. Henbit normally flowers April to June and occasionally in September. Henbit is often found growing in moist, fertile soils. Treatment: Weed Control We apply a postemergence herbicide in mid spring to early summer and/or mid to late autumn when it is actively growing. |
| Common Problems: Insects, Weeds, and Lawn Disease |
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