Lawn Problem

Ants are a pain to any householder who's lawn is their pride and joy it is a big issue, and if the soil is dry and light you will certainly get quite a few anthills. The anthills are the main problem but if you bush these before mowing it isn't too bad.

Unfortunately there are virtually no chemicals that can be put down now on lawns so if ants are a problem then biological control with nematode is the best bet.

It is hard from your picture to say what the likely cause is. For any "pest" damage you would normally see the tell tell signs. I would go with Pro Gard's comment - a combination of poor management of the grass sward.

As the client is happy for returfing at least you can prepare the soil and lay quality turf. to give the new lawn a good sporting chance.

As previously stated leave detailed aftercare instructions and ask the client not to apply any feed or underetake scarification etc. without first consulting you in the future. This way you will be able to offer the best treatment at the right time. A new lawn is an investment and to ensure they get a return on it, it needs love, care and effort. It's an ongoing battle but the end result is worth it!

Replies

Kieran Ray October 10, 2009 at 8:51pm

another pic
Kieran Ray October 10, 2009 at 9:06pm

All I saw was red ants! No grubs of any kind. I have just never known ants to do this kinda damage, but the client did say hes had a bad ant probolem for a few years.

Paul Williams said:
Looks a little like Chafer damage, but I suppose you probably would have seen some evidence if it was.
Kieran Ray October 11, 2009 at 12:01am

I have been told a summer feed and an autumn feed af shelf and aplied with a drop spreader. Aparently he had overdosed in the past but it was about 5-6 years ago. He cuts it with a cylinder mower, Im not sure of height of cut but he said he hasnot cut it for 6 weeks and its about 2" long. Aparently all year the growth has been realy slow even when It was wet and warm at the begining of the year.
Kieran Ray October 11, 2009 at 12:27am

Well the client wants it re turfing any way. I just dont want to leave any nastys in soil and have them come back into new turf!
Kieran Ray October 11, 2009 at 12:46am

Yer Iv alradey told him after laying I will give 1st cut and then leave him instructions of a proper maintenance regime! He used to scarify the lawn every year in the spring as iit used to have a lot of moss but now doesent. The lawn is about 80% grass with either dead patches or the odd weed. Full of lumps and bumps though, thats the main reason I feel he wants a new lawn!
Kieran Ray October 11, 2009 at 1:02am

Thats quite a good one, Im sure it no doubt works too as its something they can invisage.

Pro Gard said:
The analodgy I use when educating customers is that of giving blood. Lose a Pint and youll be fine if a tad faint, lose more than a pint when under stress or lose it too regularly and you will not be.
Graeme @ BGS October 11, 2009 at 9:20am

Ants are a pain to any householder who's lawn is their pride and joy it is a big issue, and if the soil is dry and light you will certainly get quite a few anthills. The anthills are the main problem but if you bush these before mowing it isn't too bad.

Unfortunately there are virtually no chemicals that can be put down now on lawns so if ants are a problem then biological control with nematode is the best bet.

It is hard from your picture to say what the likely cause is. For any "pest" damage you would normally see the tell tell signs. I would go with Pro Gard's comment - a combination of poor management of the grass sward.

As the client is happy for returfing at least you can prepare the soil and lay quality turf. to give the new lawn a good sporting chance.

As previously stated leave detailed aftercare instructions and ask the client not to apply any feed or underetake scarification etc. without first consulting you in the future. This way you will be able to offer the best treatment at the right time. A new lawn is an investment and to ensure they get a return on it, it needs love, care and effort. It's an ongoing battle but the end result is worth it!