Lawn Problem

[malana3]

My lawn has died in patches and the bare soil has become patches of weeds. A neighbours opinion is that I have an infestation of crane fly larva which has destroyed the grass roots. His suggested remedy is to apply Nematode worms which will consume the larva. He is however unsure when this treatment should be applied, is it now or next spring? Does his diagnosis sound correct and if yes when is the correct time to apply the nematodes. Any advice will be appreciated.

[mazie]

Your Answer...Here's a rhs link malana

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=651

[malana3]

Thank you Mazie a very swift reply. Your RHS link says that now is the time for the application of nematodes so I'm now seeking suppliers.

[mazie]

Good luck. Meant to ask malana, do you have any female dogs weeing on the lawn. That'll kill the grass.

[malana3]

FAO mazie. We do not have any dogs and none visit us, so dog wee is not the culprit. I have just dug into my lawn and can confirm that we have a chafer larva infestation. The appropriate nematodes have been ordered so I hope our lawn will soon recover. Many thanks for your help.

[mazie]

Excellent that you can confirm the cause.. Good luck x

[CluckyChick]

Nemasys Leatherjacket (cranefly larvae) Killer can be applied from August to October. Before purchasing it however, I'd be keeping a close eye on the lawn for signs of whether there is another explanation, such as local cats or even foxes using certain patches as a. toilet.