How To Detect Signs of Pests and Diseases in Your Spring Lawn

As spring arrives in Michigan, it's important to monitor your lawn for signs of pests and diseases that can affect its health and appearance. Luckily for you, we've put together some key indicators to look for as temperature warm up:

1. Brown or Wilted Patches

   Signs: Look for areas of your lawn that are turning brown or showing signs of wilting. These patches may be due to diseases such as brown patch or drought stress, or even insect damage.

   Action: Assess water drainage and check soil moisture levels.

2. Discoloration of Grass Blades

   Signs: Grass blades may appear yellow or have a bleached look, which can indicate nutrient deficiencies or diseases like yellow tuft or fusarium blight.

   Action: Test soil for nutrient levels and consider fertilizing if needed.

3. Uneven Growth Patterns

   Signs: If some areas of your lawn are growing taller or thicker than others, this could be a sign of pest activity such as grubs, which feed on grass roots.

   Action: Inspect affected areas for grubs or other pests.

4. Visible Insects

   Signs: Check for the presence of visible insects, such as chinch bugs, armyworms, or cutworms. Adult insects may also be present in the spring.

   Action: Identify the insect and apply appropriate control measures if necessary.

5. Mushrooms or Fungal Growth

   Signs: The appearance of mushrooms and other fungal growth indicates the presence of moisture and can signify underlying issues such as root rot or fairy ring.

   Action: Remove mushrooms and monitor moisture levels; improve drainage if needed.

6. Spots or Blotches on Grass

   Signs: Dark, water-soaked spots, or yellow patches can indicate diseases like dollar spot or take-all patch.

   Action: Improve air circulation and avoid excessive moisture to reduce disease occurrence.

7. Sooty Mold or Powdery Mildew

   Signs: Black, sooty patches on grass can indicate the presence of sooty mold, often related to aphid infestations. Powdery mildew may appear as a white, powdery coating on blades.

   Action: Address any underlying pest issues and improve air circulation.

8. Root Damage

   Signs: Gently lift and inspect patches of grass—if the roots feel weak or mushy, this could indicate root diseases or pest damage.

   Action: Test the health of the soil and check for pests like grubs or wireworms.

9. Excessive Thatch Buildup

   Signs: Thatch is a layer of organic matter that can build up on the soil surface. If you notice over half an inch of thatch, it could harbor pests and diseases.

   Action: Consider de-thatching your lawn to improve air and nutrient flow.

By keeping an eye out for these signs and symptoms, you can help ensure your lawn remains healthy and vibrant throughout the spring and beyond. As we move into spring, continue regular checks of your lawn as temperatures warm, especially after heavy rainfall. Early detection is key to managing problems effectively.

Think spring!