Luscious healthy lawns could be “devastated” in a matter of weeks if you are confronted with this one issue currently running rampant across many Australian neighbourhoods, experts have warned.
If you’ve noticed your lawn keeps looking dry and dead, no matter what you try, it might not be because of the summer heat… you could be facing a bug infestation.
This time of year is the worst for lawn grubs and bug infestations that leave your lawn tired, dehydrated and brown.
The most common lawn pests in Australia include the African black beetle larva, also known as lawn grubs, and Armyworm.
These pests are prominent between September and March and can be “devastating” to even the most healthy, appealing lawns according to Lawn Solutions expert Nathan Edwards.
“Lawn grubs (African Black Beetle Larvae) feed on the grassroots, it’s when there is a large infestation that they can cause significant damage to your lawn,” Mr Edwards said.
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Lawn grubs could devastate your luscious lawn within weeks. Photo credit: Lawn Solutions Australia
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“As a result of extensive root damage caused by these larvae, your lawn can no longer take up the moisture and nutrients it requires efficiently.”
This causes the grass to become dry and straw like, Mr Edwards said, as it would during severe drought conditions.
“The other pest that is particularly devastating is Armyworm,” he added.
“Armyworms are a caterpillar pest that can devastate a lawn within a matter of days.”
During the armyworm larval stage, the pests move together in large numbers, ‘marching’ their way across foliage and exhausting plant material as they go.
Armyworm, in particular, are attracted to the “healthiest, most appealing lawns.”
Luckily, there is an easy solution to prevent, treat and even test if this is happening to your lawn, Mr Edwards said.
“The best way to avoid an infestation is to apply a preventive insecticide like Grub Guard Ultimate that uses Acelepryn technology. This product will provide up to 6 months of ongoing protection; it requires no PPE for application,” he said.
African black beetle larvae was one of the most devastating grubs for a homeowners lawn. Photo: Supplied
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Mr Edwards said the product was safe to use and wouldn’t harm non-target insects like bees and earthworms which are beneficial to Aussie gardens.
Lawns impacted by the pests could take two weeks minimum to recover, with some yards needing months to return to normal.
If you have just noticed that your lawn has become damaged by grubs or armyworm, it is best to treat them as soon as possible, so less damage occurs, Mr Edwards said.
“The time it takes to recover will depend on the grass variety you have, the amount of damage caused and the temperatures at the time,” he said.
“If growing conditions are still optimal you should see significant recovery in most varieties within a few weeks. Slower growing grasses will be a lot more affected and will take longer to recover.”
Tips for recovery
Simply mowing your lawn is the best way to help it recover after treatment, the experts say.
By mowing regularly, you will help encourage lateral growth and further thickening of the lawn, Mr Edwards said.
“As a general guide it is best to mow frequently enough so that only one third of the leaf is removed with each pass. This will help reduce stress on the lawn, especially while it is repairing,” he said.
Following grub damage, it is best to hold off from fertilising your lawn until your lawn can green up naturally.
Lawn Solutions grub test.
“It is best to wait until the lawn has had about 50 per cent green up / recovery to then apply a fertiliser. This may seem tedious to wait and then fertilise, but you want to ensure you won’t be causing any extra stress and possible fertiliser burn.
“After you the lawn has naturally greened up apply a fertiliser. We recommend using our Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser as it contains both fast and slow release granules packed with nutrients your lawn needs to grow and repair itself. This fertiliser continues to release nutrients to your lawn for up to 12 weeks, for a sustained boost.”
How to avoid lawn grubs and maintain your green lush grass. Photo credit: Lawn Solutions Australia
How to test for grubs?
Lawn Solutions experts recommend doing the ‘soapy water test’ or using a wet towel to check if you have grubs in your lawn.
Fill a bucket with water and dishwashing liquid to make a bucket of soapy water.
Then, poor the water into the spot – usually a dry patch – where you suspect the grubs might be. Wait 30 seconds to one minute, and they should come to the surface.
The other method is to soak a beach or gym towel in water and place the water towel out at dusk, and check the next morning to see if they have come to the surface.
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