Recommend me a leatherjacket treatment!

Hi all,

I've got a bit of a dilemma at the moment - I'm half way through doing the hard graft in renovating a lawn that is in very poor shape. Whilst working, it has become apparent that there is a significant number of leatherjackets in the soil - just one of a number of factors that has contributed to the demise of the grass.

I was hoping to finish the groundwork and creation of the new seedbed over the next week, and sow seed during the beginning of April, but due to the leatherjackets, am now thinking that this needs addressing too in order to have success.

My understanding is that a spring treatment will not get rid of them all, and that in the autumn, it will need treating again.

I have never had to treat for leatherjackets before - can someone recommend me a treatment? I've got all confused trying to research what is available and effective. The RHS website tells me there is no effective treatment, which I find surprising. A bio control is not practical at this time of year, and it seems that some chemicals have been withdrawn from use.

Is it just better to get a lawn treatment company in to spray for me?

Thanks in advance :)

Cheers, Ben

Replies

PRO

Gary RK March 25, 2014 at 8:16pm

Good starting place : http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/leather-jackets-u...
Ben Candlin March 25, 2014 at 8:35pm

Thanks Gary. Yes, I should have stated that I have done a search on here, and seen that already.

My problem with the Pyrinex is the application rates. I have a Titan backpack sprayer, but looking at the application rates, reckon I'll struggle to apply it at such a low rate. 4 litres per acre is not a lot!
PRO

Gary RK March 25, 2014 at 8:39pm

You should be able to calibrate by selecting the right VLV nozzle ?

Commercial products are 'designed' with how they need to be applied and thus must be possible to calibrate correctly.

The RHS guidance, I suspect, will be aimed at home gardeners and the products available to them.

The benefit of being a professional with pesticide licensing is the ability to access some solutions not available to the general public
Ben Candlin March 25, 2014 at 8:52pm

I've just looked into the Pyrinex again. It needs to be applied using a boom sprayer, which I don't have... Hmm, I need to think about this a little more.
PRO

Gary RK March 25, 2014 at 9:02pm

Mmmhhhh....Yes, just seen that comment, but that does not seem to be echo'd in product label as it talks about handheld sprayers.

Recommend you speak to ProGreen to gauge their advice.

Love a good challenge ;-)
Ben Candlin March 25, 2014 at 9:10pm

I think you're right. Might drop them an email. Alternatively I'll just make an enquiry for a dedicated lawn care company to come in and spray for me!
PRO

Gary RK March 25, 2014 at 9:13pm

Ben, for a one-off treatment it could be a good call, but if you go down that route, choose someone who is "experienced". Not all Franchises are created equal ( I used to employ an ex-Franchise operative :( )

Also, they will only have access to the same products and methods of application......

Good luck and keep us posted ?
Ben Candlin March 25, 2014 at 9:34pm

Thanks Gary, sound advice. Yes, I can keep you posted with the outcome of all this!

Cheers, Ben
PRO

Robbie March 25, 2014 at 10:30pm

Check out Cyren, you can mix the stuff with some FE but if your going to be over seeding the lawn just go with it on it's own.

For leatherjackets: Cyren can be applied at any time from the beginning of November up to the end of March where high populations are detected or damage is first seen. Early treatment is recommended.

Your not meant to apply if after March as it affects the Bee's