What to do after the Grub Damage!
Grubs have done some major damage this spring to so many lawns! Most of the feeding damage is just about over by mid May, although another round will be upon us as soon as late August thru mid October. So, be sure to have your preventative put down in July to stop this from happening to your lawn! Now that the crows, skunks, raccoons have stopped partying on your lawn – here’s what you should be doing to get it back into shape:
Step 1 – Rake off the dead debris and discard in a plastic bag.
Step 2 – You need to decide if you are going to bring in more soil (loam) or just turning up the soil is sufficient enough.
Step 3 – Apply starter fertilizer to the damaged areas a (10-15-10) fertilizer will do just fine.
Step 4 – Reseeding your lawn is the least expensive option for repairing grub damage to your lawn. Grass seeds are pretty inexpensive and reseeding your lawn gives you the advantage of being able to choose which types of grass seed to put down. You will need to be patient after reseeding – especially this spring, because soil temperatures have been slow to increase. Purchase a good quality grass seed! The Best type of seed to put down is a “Maine Mix” seed containing these grass blends: Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and Annual Ryegrass – this blend is formulated for this area of the north and work extremely well. Don’t be fooled by the cheaper blends, as many are made up mostly of weed seed. Also, Do NOT buy“Conservation Mix” – unless you want mainly clover and very little grass – this is a waste of money!!! It’s like anything the better the quality products, the better the results!
Step 5 – Seed rates: We at Quality Lawn Services recommend you buy enough seed to layer the entire bare area with seed, that you are repairing. You can’t skimp on seed or you are going to get very little grass coming up! This is the most important step of all – so don’t cheat it!
Step 6 – Turn the seed into the soil using a “Garden Weasel” or a metal garden rake. The seed needs to be in contact with the soil for the best results. This also deters birds from eating the seed if you do not cover it with straw!
Step 7 – Roll the entire area with a push roller to embed the seed and to ensure there are no soft spots in the soil.
Step 8 – Cover with Straw or Hay – this helps the seeds from drying out, blowing away, or chewed by birds and keeps the moisture to the seed bed for a longer period of time.
Step 9 – Keep the water to it – you made the investment – don’t lose it by killing the seed, or by letting it dry out!!! Water frequently, two to three times a day, until the seeds germinate and the grass establishes itself.