Finding Grubs in New Fescue Sod: Why You Probably Shouldn't Worry

Discovering white grubs while preparing to lay fescue sod can be alarming, but a few grubs are rarely cause for concern—or treatment.

Thresholds Matter

Research shows fescue can tolerate up to eight grubs per square foot without visible damage. Finding "a couple" during core sampling falls well below this threshold. Most of these grubs will die naturally over winter anyway.

The Overuse of Grub Controls

Commercial grub control products are heavily marketed but vastly overused. In most residential lawns, natural predators and environmental factors keep grub populations in check without chemical intervention.

Save your money and effort: unless you're seeing actual turf damage and high grub counts, the best action is no action at all.