Repairing Grub-Damaged Lawns and Preventing Future Infestations

Repairing Grub-Damaged Lawns and Preventing Future Infestations

Extensive grub damage (over 60% of lawn peelable) requires both renovation and a revised management plan.

Revised Fertilization Program (Cool-Season Zone 5)

• Early Spring: Skip unless documented crabgrass problem. If needed, use preemergent with siduron.
• Late May: Apply straight Scotts Turf Builder (no herbicide/insecticide).
• Summer: Skip combination products (Turf Builder with Grub Guard).
• Early September: Apply Scotts Turf Builder or Turf Builder + Broadleaf Control (2+2).
• Late October: Apply winterizer fertilizer (e.g., 24-3-12). Do not skip this.

Reseeding Dead Areas

If grass pulls up with no roots in spring, it’s dead. Rake, apply starter fertilizer, and reseed in April with a quality mix. Water well through summer to prevent dormancy.

Grub Prevention

• Apply Scotts GrubEx (halofenozide) or Bayer Advanced Season-Long Grub Control (imidacloprid) in mid- to late July.
• Spring treatments are wasted—grubs are large and resistant; new beetles will fly in anyway.
• Look for active ingredient Merit (imidacloprid) or Mach 2 (halofenozide).

This schedule builds a dense, resilient lawn that tolerates grub pressure better.