Grubs? - Ask Extension
I have a large wooded lot with a few fruit trees but mostly assorted maple varieties and ash. There are some areas more densely shaded and areas tha...
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Grubs? #927979
Asked April 10, 2026, 9:59 AM EDT
I have a large wooded lot with a few fruit trees but mostly assorted maple varieties and ash. There are some areas more densely shaded and areas that are often wet. I've thinned the tree's canopy, seeded or laid sod multiple times, tried mowing with the mower raised. It's ok for a while but by the end of the growing season is thinning again and more spotty grass growth with the coming of the next spring. A lawn maintenance rep came by and suggested treatment for grubs. I've never tried this and have now watched a few videos. I would like the opinion of someone not in the business of selling a product or a service.
Carver County Minnesota
Expert Response
Your grass is likely suffering from environmental stress due to too much shade rather than grubs. Confirm the existence of grubs before attempting to treat them. Gently pull any brown grass. If it lifts like a loose carpet with no roots attached, it is likely grub damage. If it's hard to pull, the issue is likely shade or water competition.. You can also dig a one-foot patch about 3" deep to see if you find grubs. If you see fewer than 5-10, you don't need grub treatment. The lawn will handle them on its own.
Try mowing 3-4" high and aerate in the fall. If you need to reseed, try a fine fescue. These practices might help your lawn. Here's a work sheet on growing grass in the shade - https://barron.extension.wisc.edu/files/2021/09/Growing-Grass-in-Shade-A3700.pdf
Try mowing 3-4" high and aerate in the fall. If you need to reseed, try a fine fescue. These practices might help your lawn. Here's a work sheet on growing grass in the shade - https://barron.extension.wisc.edu/files/2021/09/Growing-Grass-in-Shade-A3700.pdf
