Weed & Insect Control

Weeds

The simplest definition of a "weed" is any plant that grows where it is not wanted. The most common are broadleaf weeds and non-turf grasses such as crabgrass. These weeds are undesirable for the following reasons:

• Weeds compete with your lawn for moisture, nutrients and sunlight.
• Weeds reduce turf quality by starving the surrounding turf.
• Weeds are prolific seed producers with seeds that are long-lived, presenting a weed control problem for many years.
• Some weeds attract bees, produce injurious spines or thorns and are poisonous or contain skin irritants.
• Many spread vegetative rhizomes (roots under ground), stolons (roots above grove), tubers, bulbs, creeping stems, and creeping roots which make control difficult.

Grassman's trained technicians apply a selective (meaning it will kill only the weeds and not hurt the existing grass) herbicide on these unwanted weeds. Some common weeds in Connecticut are: dandelion, curly dock, plantain, black medic, spurge and chick weed. A dense lawn mowed at 3" will resist encroachment from annual/perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. Healthy lawns help to resist invasion from weeds and reduce the need for unnecessary herbicides.

Insects

Birds feeding in a lawn usually indicate the presence of insects. Some insects are not harmful, while others can damage the lawn. Insects or "pests" of the lawn fall into two categories and both can destroy turf. The first category is those that live in the soil and the second category is those that live near or at the surface of the soil.

Here are a few common pests found in Connecticut lawns:

The White Grub, which lives in the soil, is one of the most commonly known pests in Connecticut. These grubs will feed on the root system of your lawn, causing severe damage. When grubs feed on the root system, the plant is unable to absorb water or nutrients and it can die. Controlling these pests can be easy if Grassman's trained technicians make a preventive application for season-long control. Treatment is performed as grubs come to a peak in early/mid June through July. Damage from grubs usually shows up at the end of the summer or early fall. Reseeding may be necessary, depending on the severity of the damage.

The Sod Webworm, which is a surface-feeding insect, is a moth in the adult stage. This moth lays its eggs throughout the turf in June and July. The eggs hatch and the resulting larva feed on the turf for several weeks, which weakens the turf. The larva emerges as a caterpillar, which feeds on your turf at night, causing irregular brown patches in the lawn. There may be many caterpillars feeding in one area of your lawn, resulting in serious damage. As you walk through the grass, you can recognize these moths easily because they fly in a zigzag pattern. Grassman treats these pests to help you regain control of your lawn.

The Chinch Bug, which is a surface feeder, lives during the winter in turf, thatch, under leaves, around foundations and in other protected areas. Adults become active in mid- to late April and immediately begin to mate. The first generation of nymphs appear in early June and the second in mid-August. As the eggs hatch, the nymphs begin to feed on the grass leaves and stems. They reproduce quickly and usually have 2 generations per year. Heavy thatch is a prime environment for chinch bugs; therefore, thatch removal is one means of preventing chinch bug outbreaks.

Grassman can help you control these pests. Maintaining a healthy, vigorous turf is still the best way for defense against pests and disease. If you have questions, please contact our office--we will be happy to help you!