Knowledge is power.

Early Japanese Beetles

Plants particularly at risk include those that have been recently transplanted or those that are stressed for one reason or another. Favorites for Japanese beetle include linden, crab apple, plum, and other fruit trees, rose bushes, grapes, and several garden variety vegetables. Physical (netting or picking off the beetles each day) or chemical controls (Sevin, Neem, Orthene, Malathion or any of several pyrethroids) may be required to protect plants from Japanese beetle defoliation. Defoliation usually begins at the top of the tree and works its way down. Leaves become skeletonized such that only the midrib and major leaf veins are left (see photo). After adult beetles feed, and mate, the female often lay her eggs in turfgrass areas. The resulting larvae, called white grubs, can also be very devastating as they prune the roots off of the grass. Insecticides available for grub control only work AFTER the grubs have hatched - usually the end of July or the first part of August. Grub control products are most effective if applied from late June through July. As with all insecticides, it is critical to follow the label directions exactly when making applications. For grub control products it is recommended that 1/2 inch of irrigation be applied immediately after treatment. In cases where irrigation is not possible, timing the application to just before a significant rainfall event is recommended.

Timothy J. Gibb , Turfgrass Entomologist, Purdue University
Doug Richmond, Turfgrass Entomologist, Purdue University

Dollar Spot

Extensive dollar spot development in residential lawns signals that action is required. Nitrogen deficiency is the most important maintenance factor influencing the development of dollar spot and other diseases. Lawns with serious dollar spot outbreaks are nitrogen deficient. Following a simple year-round program for nitrogen fertility can help prevent the disease. Regular mowing to a height of 2-3 inches will hasten turf recovery.

Reference: Purdue University

Brown Patch

Brown patch can cause serious damage to tall fescue and perennial ryegrass residential lawns under certain conditions. The disease will result in thin, poor-quality turf as the fungus consumes leaves and tillers. Because brown patch does not affect crowns and roots, damaged turf areas should recover upon the return of weather favorable to turf growth, especially if turf is not further damaged by traffic and/or other stresses.

Avoid summer fertilization and early evening irrigation to help limit brown patch development. Fungicides are available but should not be necessary for residential lawns. If a homeowner decides to pursue the chemical control option, call Lawn Pride for a free lawn analysis.