How to Control Turfgrass Pests Organically

Turfgrass can enhance the value of a home and provide a great place for those backyard cookouts. Lurking in these blades of turfgrass, however, are potential pests that can damage or even destroy the turrfgrass. To keep this from happening and to protect the environment, learn to control turfgrass pests organically and keep that nice looking lawn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take the soil from the turfgrass area to a lab for analysis. If you know the soil is deficient in some valuable nutrient, it can help you adjust the organic fertilizer treatment, thereby making for healthier turfgrass that is more able to fight off the turfgrass pests.

2. Release beneficial nematodes in the moist soil of the turfgrass to control the pests organically. These beneficial nematodes can help control the damage done to the turfgrass by grubs, as the nematodes will kill off most lawn grubs. See the resources section for information.

3. Keep the turfgrass free of any debris or dead plants. The more dead or decaying matter that is on turfgrass, the more likely there will be an infestation of turfgrass pests.

4. Apply Weedban fertilizer in the early spring to control turfgrass pests organically. A 20-pound bag will cover roughly 1000 square foot of turfgrass. You can use a fertilizer spreader or distribute the fertilizer by hand. See the resources section for more information.

5. Mow the turfgrass routinely during the prime growing periods to control the turfgrass pests. Start with a cutting length of three inches and gradually lower the turfgrass height until the last few cuts before winter.

Resources

• Purchase beneficial nematodes to kill turfgrass pests.
• Buy WeedBan to help control turfgrass pests.