Weeds and Pests

The best way to reduce the misuse of pesticides is to properly apply them or stop using them completely.

When lawns are stressed and the weather is just right, disease outbreaks can occur in the lawn. Keeping the lawn healthy can ease the pressure of lawn diseases.

White lawn grubs can devastate a lawn if populations climb too high. Prevention is key but treatment may be necessary.

Brown patch is caused by a species of fungus called Rhizoctonia. It occurs during extended periods of heat and humidity and moisture.

Lawn pests come in all forms, whether it's invading weeds, opportunistic lawn diseases, or root-munching insects.

Dollar spot is a common lawn disease usually occuring during the warm day/cool night conditions of late spring and late fall.

While dog spot is obviously not a lawn disease, it resembles many diseases with their dead yellow center surrounded by lush, green growth.

Lawn diseases are not usually a threat to a homeowner's lawn. Most lawns will remain relatively disease free as long as it is maintained properly but it's important to know if a dead spot on the lawn might be a disease.

Powdery mildew on lawns is most common on Kentucky bluegrass grown in the shade.

Fairy rings, also known as fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring or pixie ring, are naturally occurring arcs of mushrooms in grassed areas or forests.

The presence of red or pink webbing or thread is the tell tale sign of red thread.

A hub featuring organic and chemical weed control. Integrated Pest Management and weed identification using photos and illustrations. Profiles of common weeds.

Definition and types of weeds. Classifications of weeds.

What is snow mold. Pink snow mold, gray snow mold How to control snow mold. What causes snow mold.

Dealing with earthworm castings. The benefits of worm casts and how to repair damage caused by them.

Crows on a lawn could be listening for grubs. Crows can tear up an entire lawn feeding on grubs.

Essential reading if you're faced with mole problems in your lawn. By About.com's Guide to Landscaping, David Beaulieu

An extensive compendium of turfgrass diseases. Causes, signs, symptoms, and control. Includes pictures of diseased turf. From Penn State University, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences - Cooperative Extension.