Other Lawn Problems

MOLES

One of the most frustrating cultural problems a homeowner faces is an infestation of moles. Although they do not feed on turfgrass, extensive damage may occur as a result of burrowing. Roots of the plants are left suspended in the air in these tunnels, drying out, and depriving the grass of essential nutrients and water. Naturally, the larger the population of moles, the more extensive the resulting damage.

Moles eat the organisms that live in the soil, especially insect larvae and earthworms, and will occasionally take succulent vegetable matter such as newly sprouting seeds or bulbs.

Mole Control

Reliable mole control techniques include insect control, trapping, burrow fumigation and short fall mowing.

Insect control application is accomplished by applying insect control which reduce the mole's food supply. This, in turn, causes either starvation or movement to other areas with better food supply. Naturescape^® includes insect control as part of our Lawn Care Program. This alone will often control a mole problem.

Trapping is accomplished by using either harpoon or choker mole traps. The traps must be placed in active tunnels and checked daily.

Burrow fumigation is accomplished by fumigating with poisonous gas. This work can only be done by a certified Pest Control Operator.

Finally, mowing the turf shorter in the fall provides less shelter in the winter and will help the mole problem.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of soil inhabiting fungi. Mushrooms feed on organic matter in the soil. They are usually found in areas where rotting wood (stumps, roots, limbs, boards) are or were present in the soil. The feeding mushroom temporarily depletes the soil of water and nutrients which may kill grasses.

Mushroom Control

Individual and groups of mushrooms are difficult to eradicate. Chemicals applied to the lawn surface only temporarily suppress fungal growth. Raking the fruiting bodies only temporarily destroys the above ground portion. Eradication of the fungi requires soil replacement.

Control individual mushrooms scattered throughout the lawn by digging up and removing the decaying wood in the soil below. Replace with fresh soil. Reseed or sod. Also aerating the soil with a pitchfork where the mushrooms are will allow more air to help decompose the rotting material. It will also help water reach the soil where it is being depleted by the fungi.

Other Lawn Tips

• Aeration
• Mowing
• Watering
• Thatch
• Diseases
• Insects
• Shady Lawns
• Weedy Perennials
• Other Problems

These tips are designed to help inform you about proper cultural practices such as mowing and watering and common basic lawn problems that may arise. If you ever have any concerns about your lawn or our services please call us.

The Naturescape^® Guarantee

Your local Naturescape^® branch is committed to making you happy with our service and your lawn and landscape. If you are not completely satisfied with the results of our services or you have any questions or concerns, please call your area branch office and we will be happy to take care of them within 72 hours. If necessary, we will gladly perform a free service call.