Question from Carla:
I found your website while looking for information about how to treat grubs in the KC Metro area. I live in Lee's Summit, and there are several areas in my grass where the grass is brown and the ground is really spongy. You can walk on the area and it feels like the ground is puffy and soft.
I have seen some white grubs while planting. What should I buy to control this problem? Thank you so much. I think your site has some great information.
Soft Areas?
Soft and spongy could mean that you have a thick thatch layer of dead grass, roots and stems. A little is good but anything over 1/2 to 3/4 inch or more is not good. To check for thatch slice down into the soil and look for the interface between the grass area and soil. This will be brown and spongy looking. If it is thick you might want to core aerate to help break up each fall.
As for grubs, they are active but with the cooler and moister weather have not been a problem. In normal years treat with a product such as Merit in late June through early July to prevent grub problems.
Hope that helps - Dennis - Johnson County Extension
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