5. Got bugs?
Research has shown that there are effective means other than using traditional pesticides to minimize weeds, insect pests, and diseases in lawns. Keep in mind the concept of threshold: the mere presence of a few weeds or insects does not necessitate the application of a pesticide.
Weeds: Overseeding lawns to achieve maximum density is the most effective approach to weed management. Weeds take advantage of thin, less vigorous lawns.
Grass Species Diversity: The more grass varieties and herbaceous plants a lawn has, the healthier it will be. As in all horticulture, growing large numbers of a single species leaves plants more subject to disease or pest infestation.
Use Insect- and Disease-resistant Grasses: Endophyte-enhanced grass species harbor a beneficial fungus that produces alkaloid compounds. These alkaloids reduce disease and insect infestations, increase drought tolerance, and further reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides. However, these grasses are not recommended for pasture areas.
Beneficial Nematodes: Grubs—the larva of certain insects, including Japanese beetles and European chafers—can be a major lawn problem. Even the most powerful pesticides are not fully effective. However, the use of beneficial or parasitic nematodes—microscopic, worm-like organisms that feed on grubs—has shown promise and presents less risk than insecticides. In fact, when applied properly, nematodes can be 95% effective in controlling grubs—and that’s better than many chemical controls.
Nematodes are recommended for treating localized, high-priority lawn areas. Key to their effectiveness is to first identify the grub species and then match it with the right nematode species. Newly hatched grubs are targeted, usually in August to early September, when other susceptible organisms are not present. Different than using chemical controls, this biocontrol needs moisture and should be applied in the evening (see For More Information to find out how to obtain nematodes).
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