Patches of dead grass and lumpy yard - Ask Extension
Hello. I sent in a form a little over a week ago and haven’t heard back. So am resending in case in did not go through. We have two problems in o...
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Patches of dead grass and lumpy yard #867439
Asked May 07, 2024, 2:21 PM EDT
Hello. I sent in a form a little over a week ago and haven’t heard back. So am resending in case in did not go through. We have two problems in our hard. First, every summer for the past 2-3 summers we are getting increasingly more areas where the grass is dying out and there is just dirt and thatch. I don’t believe it is moles as I see no entrance or exit holes near by. I also don’t believe it is voles since there are no trails. So I’m guessing it is either grubs or else some sort of fungus. What is the best remedy? We already just applied weed and feed this past weekend because we felt we better do something soon for our overall lawn. But if it is grubs or other, what else should we do or what else should we apply, and how to handle ongoing lawn care given this situation. Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
First pull up grass to check for grubs. if you find grubs now is the time to treat before they get too big.
1. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles
2. https://extension.umn.edu/news/white-grub-control-lawns
Second pull up grass near the bare spots and check with a hand magnifier for the problems listed in the following website (click on the links).
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/
1. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles
2. https://extension.umn.edu/news/white-grub-control-lawns
Second pull up grass near the bare spots and check with a hand magnifier for the problems listed in the following website (click on the links).
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/
