The autumn season brings so many changes to your lawn. Although beautiful leaves blow across the grass, some changes are not so beautiful. Even when the weather is cooler, pests and diseases can infiltrate an otherwise healthy lawn. When you have an invasion, call Promier Landscapes to find out how we can help you.
Powdery Mildew
Although the white, dusty residue appears on the leaves of the plants and is unpleasant to see, it is not completely harmless either. Powdery mildew is found mostly in cool, shady, and moist areas and can cause infections in your plant that will change the color of the leaves to yellow or brown. The damage to the leaves is regarded as minor, but it can cause thinning and weak growth. In order to prevent continued or new growth, make sure the area is fully ventilated and has direct access to sunlight. Powdery mildew can be found mostly on Kentucky Bluegrass, where it is also the most severe. However, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue are often seen with powdery mildew on their blades as well.
White Grubs
One of nature’s biggest threats to a healthy lawn is white grubs. While only one-inch long, these pests can cause significant damage to your lawn that will result in costly repairs if not promptly treated. The larvae are cream-white in color, live in the soil, and feed on the roots of the grass, which causes wilting or death. If your lawn has white grubs, you will typically see visual damage in the late summer or early fall as the grubs are actively feeding.
Unfortunately, when you have an infestation, your yard will automatically become a buffet for animals like birds, skunks, and even raccoons making a bad situation worse. The animals will dig and tear into your lawn to reach the grubs causing extensive damage. One of the most effective lawn treatments is using a product that will target the grubs in the early larvae life cycle preventing any additional lawn damage.
Lawn Rust
A more minor condition, lawn rust or rust disease, appears as a yellow-orange-red color powder on the top and bottom of leaf surfaces. Typically, the powder-like substance can be easily removed from the surface of the plant by using your hands or simply walking on your lawn. Lawn rust typically occurs in late summer and into the fall months. Although lawn rust affects all cool-season grass species, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are more susceptible to it.
Leatherjackets/European Crane Fly
The European Crane fly has a lifecycle of one year. When they emerge in late summer, they lay their eggs, which will hatch into the Leatherjacket stage of its lifecycle. Leatherjacket larvae cause substantial damage to your lawn by eating the roots and crown of the grass and are present from the late fall until late summer of the following year. The best treatment for Leatherjackets is to contact a licensed lawn pro who can help you get rid of the larvae.
Maybe you have had it with the “all you can eat buffet” for animals in your backyard. If so, call Promier Landscapes today at (423) 872-2988, so we can inspect your lawn and address those lawn pests. Not sure what is going on with your lawn? Contact us today to ask questions about your lawn care issue.