Issue 10, June 29, 2015
Wet Weather Turf Pests
The heavy rainfall this spring is conducive to high numbers of crayfish, millipedes, centipedes, sowbugs, springtails, fungus gnats, slugs, and earwigs. All of these animals are more numerous in areas with high amounts of dead organic matter and moisture. They will be more numerous in thatchy turf areas that are kept moist. Lawn care clients that over-water and insist on high fertilization will have more of these creatures than others. Core-aerification of turf along with appropriate fertilization and irrigation can reduce their numbers. Clients who mulch too deeply around trees and in landscape beds will also have more of these animals. Two to three inches or less of mulch is recommended. (Phil Nixon)
Author:
Phil Nixon