The Dirt Gardener's Column for July 24

Q. How do you control lawn moths? We have noticed moths over the lawn and now have patches of dead grass. In addition, is there any connection between these moths and the one that causes wormy apples?

A. The moths that damage turf and apples are not related. The damage is done by the larva stage of their metamorphosis, not the adult moth. With apples, the adult lays the egg under the skin of the maturing apple while in turf the eggs are deposited into the thatch layer, which is located between the blades of grass and the soil surface. The eggs are laid in the late afternoon or early evening and the worm is often referred to as the Sod Webworm. The presence of moths hovering over a lawn and dead patches is not a good indicator that you’re having a Lawn Moth problem. The typical damage from Lawn Moths/Sod Webworms starts next to a hot, dry surface such as a sidewalk, cement walkway or driveway. These areas are the first that come under stress from the summer heat and water. It’s very unusual for it to start in the center of a lawn. Warmer inland areas are more likely to have the problem than along the coast where there is a strong marine influence. Another characteristic of Sod Webworm is that the grass starts to thin out rather than die in patches. The turf goes bald creating bare spots. There is a simple test to indicate the presence of the Sod Webworm, if your still not sure. You need to section off several areas, two foot by two-foot squares, with stakes and twine. In a bucket of water mix two tablespoons per gallon of water of any liquid detergent, and pour the solution over the squared off sections of grass. You need to saturate the area and observe the plots over the next ten to fifteen minutes. If Sod Webworms are present, the water and detergent solution will agitate them, forcing them to the surface shaking their fists and uttering European swear words. If nothing happens then Lawn Moth isn’t the problem. To control the Sod Webworms apply Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer or any other turf product for lawn insects. An organic solution is to apply Beneficial Nematodes. Beneficial Nematodes seek out and destroy the Sod Webworms but do not harm earthworms but it doesn’t stop the problem over night so be patient.

Q. I have three Agapanthus plants that are out of control. Their roots are spreading into other plants, which consequently, are not doing well. How would I curb its growth?

A. This problem is not too difficult to solve. Agapanthus has a fleshy and clumping root system. With a round nose shovel, slice away the root mass that’s interfering with the other plants. You can carve out a big or small section, whatever works the best for you. You‘re not going to damage the mother plant. The sections can then be replanted or discarded.

by Buzz Bertolero, CCNP