Applying grub killer on new grass requires careful timing. The ideal time to treat for grubs depends on the product you choose, the type of grass you planted, and the age of the new lawn. With proper timing and application, you can eliminate grubs without harming new grass growth.
An Introduction to Grub Control on New Lawns
Grubs are the larval stage of various beetles, like June bugs, Japanese beetles, and chafers. They feed on grass roots, damaging turf. You may see patches of dead or dying grass, which pull up easily from the soil when grubs have infested an area.
New lawns are especially vulnerable to grubs. The young, establishing roots are an easy food source, and grubs can quickly devastate new grass. However, many common grub control products can injure or kill newly seeded or sodded lawns.
Timing is critical when applying grub killer to new grass. Treat too soon after planting, and you may damage the tender new roots. Wait too long to control grubs, and they can destroy the new lawn before it fully establishes.
This guide will discuss:
- The best times to treat new grass for grubs
- Types of grub killers that are safe for new lawns
- How long to wait after seeding or sodding before applying grub control
- Tips for safely managing grubs in new turf
Follow these best practices, and you can protect new grass from grub damage without inhibiting the lawn’s growth and establishment.
When Should Grub Control Be Applied to New Grass?
The ideal time to apply grub killer depends on the product and your lawn’s age. Here are some general guidelines:
Newly Seeded Lawns
Wait until after the second or third mowing before treating newly seeded grass for grubs. This allows the grass to develop an established root system that can better withstand the application.
Ideally, treat new seedlings for grubs about 4-8 weeks after planting the lawn. At this point, the roots are developed enough to handle it.
New Sod Lawn Installations
Treat new sod for grubs 2-4 weeks after installation. Sod has a more mature root system than seedlings, so it can be treated a little sooner. But you still need to allow the sod to root down and start actively growing before applying grub control.
Fall Seedings or Sod Lays
For new grass planted in late summer or fall, you can often wait until the following spring to treat for grubs. Just make sure to inspect for damage in fall and early spring. Spot treat any grub damaged areas as needed.
The most important factor is to ensure the new grass has an established, actively growing root system before applying grub products.
What Grub Killers Are Safe for New Lawns?
Not all grub control products are suitable for new or establishing grass. Here are some effective options that are gentler on new plantings:
Milky Spore
Milky spore contains bacteria that specifically target grubs while being safe for grass roots. It provides long-term control by remaining active in the soil for many years. Multiple applications are needed, so start treatments on any existing lawn areas and then apply to new grass a few weeks after planting.
Imidacloprid
This common synthetic grub prevention product has a low toxicity to new grass when applied correctly. Look for formulations designed for new seedings or sod, and be sure to apply at the proper growth stage as noted on the label.
Halofenozide
Active ingredients like halofenozide or chlorantraniliprole are safer for young grass than traditional insecticides. Look for products containing these compounds that are specially formulated for new lawns.
Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill grubs in the soil but do not harm grass roots. Apply them 2-4 weeks after seeding or laying sod per product instructions. Water the area well before and after application.
Always read and follow label directions carefully when choosing products for new grass. Look for new planting or new lawn guidance on timing and application rates.
How Long Should I Wait to Treat New Grass?
Exactly how long to wait before applying grub killer depends on several factors:
Type of Grass
Cool season grasses like fescue establish roots faster than warm season varieties. This means cool season lawns can often be treated a little sooner, around 3-4 weeks after planting. Warm season grasses usually need 4-8 weeks to develop roots before grub treatment.
Planting Method
Seeded lawns take longer to establish than sod, so allow more time before treating seeded areas. Sod can be treated after 2-4 weeks, while seeded grass often needs 4-8 weeks.
Product Instructions
Carefully read the label guidelines for any grub control products. Follow the exact wait times and growth stage recommendations for new grass. These will account for the product’s chemistry and its effects on new roots.
Root Establishment
Regardless of grass type or planting method, the key factor is letting the roots grow and strengthen before applying grub control. Tug on the grass blades about 30 days after planting. If the sod or seedlings resist pulling up, the roots are established enough for grub treatments.
Tips for Safely Managing Grubs in New Turf
Here are some best practices for effectively controlling grubs in new lawns while avoiding damage:
- Inspect for grubs and early damage in late summer and fall. Spot treat damaged areas only to control populations.
- For severe infestations, apply milky spore in fall to any existing lawn. This targets grubs without harming new grass planted later.
- When planting grass, choose grub-resistant grass varieties when possible.
- Allow proper time for roots to grow strong before applying grub treatments.
- Stick to grub control products labeled for new seedings/sod, like imidacloprid, halofenozide, nematodes, or milky spore.
- Follow label instructions carefully for all products in regards to timing, rates, watering advice, and new lawn precautions.
- After treating, continue to monitor for damage. Retreat if needed per product guidelines.
- Address other issues like irrigation, fertilization, drainage, and pH to encourage strong root growth. Healthy lawns withstand grubs better.
- Overseed or patch damaged areas in fall to keep lawns thick and less susceptible to grubs.
With attentive management, you can successfully control grubs in new grass. Proper timing of treatments, smart product selection, and care for root establishment will allow you to protect new lawns while still controlling destructive grub populations. Monitor closely and have patience, and your new grass can thrive grub-free.
Common Questions About Grub Control on New Lawns
New lawn owners often have several questions about safely managing grubs on establishing grass:
When is it safe to apply grub killer on new grass?
Wait until the new grass has been mowed 2-3 times or about 4-8 weeks after planting before applying grub treatments. This allows time for the roots to establish. Always follow label directions for proper timing.
What is the best grub killer for new sod?
Look for products like imidacloprid, halofenozide, nematodes, or milky spore that are specifically labeled for use on newly laid sod. Check the label for correct application timing and rates.
Can I put grub killer down at time of seeding new lawn?
No, grub preventative treatments should never be applied at the same time as planting new seed, as it can damage tender new grass. Always wait until the lawn has been mowed several times and roots are developed before treating.
When should grub control be applied to new sod?
Treat new sod for grubs 2-4 weeks after installation. This allows some root establishment. Prior to treatment, tug on a piece of sod to confirm the roots have anchored down into the soil below.
Is it okay to use grub killer when overseeding lawn?
When overseeding existing grass, wait until after the first mowing of the new seedlings (about 3-4 weeks) before applying grub control. Use a product labeled as safe for new seedings.
Can I put down Scotts GrubEx when seeding a new lawn?
No, Scotts GrubEx should only be applied to established lawns. The label advises waiting until the new grass has been mowed two or three times before treatment. Wait 4-8 weeks after planting for best results.
What is better: grub killer or nematodes on new sod?
Nematode applications are ideal for new sod, as they are safe for grass roots. Always follow label timing guidelines, as with other products. Nematodes start working quickly to kill grubs without harming the new sod.
Key Takeaways on Grub Control for New Lawns
- Allow new grass to develop deep roots before treating for grubs; for cool season lawns planted in spring or summer, wait 4-8 weeks.
- Stick to grub killers labeled for new seedings/sod, like imidacloprid, halofenozide, nematodes, or milky spore.
- For fall plantings, monitoring and spot treating for grub damage is often sufficient until spring.
- Sod can be treated after 2-4 weeks, while seeded lawns often take 4-8 weeks to establish roots for grub treatments.
- Regardless of timing, make sure new roots are anchored and growing actively before applying any grub preventative.
- Read and follow all label directions carefully to ensure products are applied at the right time and rate.
- Maintain optimal care for new grass to encourage the root growth needed to withstand grub treatments.
- With careful timing and safe products, you can successfully control grubs in new lawns for healthy, pest-free turf.
Conclusion
Controlling grubs is crucial for a successfully establishing new lawn. But grub preventatives and controls can damage tender new grass if applied too soon after planting. It is essential to allow time for the grass roots to anchor down and grow strong before treating for grubs.
For cool season grasses, wait 4-8 weeks after seeding or sodding to apply grub killer. Warm season varieties often take a little longer to reach the appropriate growth stage for treatment, around 8 weeks. Always stick to products labeled for new plantings, and follow label directions for correct timing.
With attentive management, you can safely treat grubs in new grass without inhibiting the lawn’s establishment. Proper cultural care and smart product selection will keep your new lawn thriving and pest-free.