Recognizing The Difference Between Drought Affected Grasses Versus Pest Infestations

Central Texas lawns are subjected to a wide variety of weather conditions and pest infestations.  The region is currently suffering through what seems to be a prolonged drought.  Yards affected by drought may have a similar appearance to those suffering from pest infestations.  The differences between the two conditions are subtle but important to note in regards to the treatments applied to them.

 

      

 

The figure on the left is St. Augustine grass that lacks moisture and needs significant sustained watering.  The best treatment for this condition is to remove the thatch, or dried dead grass, with a simple garden rake, dispose of the debris, and fill the empty spaces with dillo dirt or compost.  Then apply water to the area and water deeply until the St. Augustine runners begin to repopulate the affected areas.  Watering deeply means applying enough water so that the area seems spongy and saturated with water. 

 

The figure on the right shows grass, again St. Augustine, that has been destroyed by a pest infestation.  Common infestations among Central Texas lawns include chinch bugs, grubs, and fire ants.  In many cases the affected area may have the same patchy appearance as grass suffering from a lack of water.  The difference is that pests burrow into the earth to eat the roots of the grass.  So for a short while, both lawns will appear the same, but before long, without roots to anchor the lawn the grass will simply blow away in the wind.  The treatment for a pest infested lawn is to start with a hose end pest control treatment; Triazicide by Spectracide is a good example.  1-2 treatments to the affected area should kill off any remaining pests in the lawn without damaging the unaffected grass.  Once the pests have been eliminated, rake the area and dispose of any thatch, then either re-sod or add compost/dillo dirt, and water aggressively until the grass fills in the empty spaces. 

 

The photo below shows another example of drought stricken grass that could be perceived to have either an infestation or damage caused by leaky mowers.  This problem is commonly seen during times of drought combined with intensely high heat over prolonged periods.  The lines occur because the roots of the grass are dead and dying and the weight of the mowers, even push mowers, cause tracks in the yard.  The solution is to mow less often and water more and deeply.  Again, deep watering means complete and total saturation leaving no doubt that roots are being reached.  The lawn must be hydrated and healthy or the mowers may only cause the type of damage seen below.       

 

 

 

For more information on this and other helpful tips please see our website at www.northwestlawn.com.