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What is hurting my grass? #876293

Asked July 08, 2024, 10:03 AM EDT

Hi- my lawn has recently developed large sections of yellow. I’m not sure if this is fungus or something else. It has recently been fertilized and also had grub killer applied. Please help! See attached pics. Thank you!

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and pictures. I have a few questions to ask you about your lawn care. You mention you had it fertilized and grub control applied. Was this done by a lawn care company? If yes, I would definitely contact them to explain the problem. I'm assuming you live in an area that's received abundant moisture, so your lawn is not drought stressed. 

Voles can damage lawns, but they leave tunnels which appear as lines in a dead area of turf. It doesn't appear to be your problem.  

I know you applied grub control. Was this before or after your lawn appeared as in the photo? I believe the problem is white grubs to cause such extensive browning and dying. Here's some information from Extension with pictures and ways to control white grubs:

White grub control in lawns | UMN Extension

White grubs threaten Minnesota lawns: identification and treatment tips | UMN Extension

Grubs will feed on your lawn roots and the turf will appear to be eaten and pulled up. Fungus invading lawns is obvious and you will see fruiting structures:

Common fungi in yards and gardens | UMN Extension

The only other possibility would be herbicide drift. If an herbicide was applied near you (do you live near a farm?), and it was somewhat windy, it would kill any turf it encounters. I would consult a lawn care professional to answer some of your questions and can directly observe your areas of damage. Good luck to you and your lawn.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT

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