Turf problem - Ask Extension
I live in Fort Collins and like many homeowners, have quite a few rabbits in my yard. Wherever a rabbit feeds on the grass for several hours, the gras...
Knowledgebase
Turf problem #878106
Asked July 21, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
I live in Fort Collins and like many homeowners, have quite a few rabbits in my yard. Wherever a rabbit feeds on the grass for several hours, the grass becomes dry and chlorotic. I always assumed this was from nitrogen being deposited on a small area through droppings and urine.
I recently read a posting on next door saying the spots on the grass were from infestations of small moths that lay eggs and the larvae feed on the grass roots underground. This was cured by applying Spectracide Triazicide insect killer for lawns granules and it cured the problem of dying grass in 2 weeks.
I am skeptical of this solution. What are your thoughts?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello, and thanks for your question,
You have approached this in a very logical way and you are correct! The rabbit's urine and continual feeding is what causes the grass to either brown out and die or turn yellowish. (And to be more specific, it's an enzyme in the urine (not the urea) that causes the grass to decline.) Plus, rabbits feed in the same spots where they feel safe. The constant deposit of urine and feeding can be very detrimental to turf quality.
You can identify rabbits by looking for very closely clipped turf blades (almost like mowing) and their poo.
Having grubs (moths as adults) is a totally separate issue - and the product recommended may or may not control the grubs/insects in question. That's where identification is very important.
And every lawn will have some insects/grubs - it just depends on the health of the lawn and the number of grubs if it's a problem. Grubs can feed on turf roots, so if the grass is easily pulled/peeled up, it might be a sign of grubs.
You can determine how many grubs (if any) are in any area by mixing a gallon of water with a few droplets of dishsoap. Pour it in a suspected area. Look for any grubs that may come to the surface. If you don't see anything, then it might be irrigation coverage, drought stress, rabbits, or a myriad of other issues.
You have approached this in a very logical way and you are correct! The rabbit's urine and continual feeding is what causes the grass to either brown out and die or turn yellowish. (And to be more specific, it's an enzyme in the urine (not the urea) that causes the grass to decline.) Plus, rabbits feed in the same spots where they feel safe. The constant deposit of urine and feeding can be very detrimental to turf quality.
You can identify rabbits by looking for very closely clipped turf blades (almost like mowing) and their poo.
Having grubs (moths as adults) is a totally separate issue - and the product recommended may or may not control the grubs/insects in question. That's where identification is very important.
And every lawn will have some insects/grubs - it just depends on the health of the lawn and the number of grubs if it's a problem. Grubs can feed on turf roots, so if the grass is easily pulled/peeled up, it might be a sign of grubs.
You can determine how many grubs (if any) are in any area by mixing a gallon of water with a few droplets of dishsoap. Pour it in a suspected area. Look for any grubs that may come to the surface. If you don't see anything, then it might be irrigation coverage, drought stress, rabbits, or a myriad of other issues.
