4 Ways Grubs Ruin Your Lawn

April 4, 2023

Follow Us On Facebook

4 Ways Grubs Ruin Your Lawn

How Grubs Destroy Lawns

Grub Worms in dirt


You might not realize you have a grub control problem until it’s too late. These silent killers bring a whole slew of problems from ruined grass to other pests that enjoy dining on grubs. Keep reading to learn about the damage grubs can wreak and what you can do about it.

1. They Attract Critters

You probably don’t consider grubs a tasty treat, but many animals and birds do! When they detect your lawn is rife with grubs, they’ll turn your beautiful grass into a patchy, torn up wasteland. Possums, raccoons, skunks, and other creatures have no qualms about tearing up the turf to get to grubs beneath the surface. Birds will also poke around your lawn and while they may not create as much of a nuisance as four-legged creatures, they can leave droppings behind and ruin the view. When you look out your window, you want to see a lush green lawn – not dozens of birds swarming like an Alfred Hitchcock film.

2. There’s More Than One Kind of Grub

Unfortunately, there isn’t one type of insect that likes to mess with your lawn. Both June bugs and Japanese Beetles love to lay their eggs on your lawn. Once they hatch, both insects are considered “grubs.” In late spring, when they reach the adult stage, they’ll lay eggs and the infestation will continue to get out of control.

3. Grubs Cause Root Damage

There is nothing grubs love more than munching on the roots of your lawn. This causes grass to wilt and turn a nasty brown color, creating unsightly dead patches in your lawn.

4. Grubs Create Loose, Uneven Turf

Because grubs chow down on roots, the grass loses its ability to cling to the earth beneath it. Consequently, if you suspect you have grubs, the damaged areas may be so loose that you can easily peel back the turf like a sod roll. If you’re able to do this, it could be due to grub damage. You may even be able to see the culprits when you roll the turf.

If you’ve noticed any or all of these issues, it could be time to apply professional grub control.

What is Grub Control?

Grubs are present on every lawn. It’s unavoidable. Problems arise when they become too numerous, and the lawn cannot recover quickly enough to replace the grass the grubs have eaten. Applying grub control in lawns interrupts the cycle of hatching larvae that ruin your grass.

When Should Grub Control Be Applied?

It depends on what time of help your lawn needs. If you’re laying down grub control as a preventative measure, it’s best to do it in early summer. If you’re trying to control an active problem, a rescue treatment should be applied in August. Applying grub control in the fall can stop eggs from hatching and thus reproducing come spring. Ask your lawn care professional which time of year is best for your lawn’s needs.

Call the Professionals at Custom Personalized Lawn Care


Get ahead of grubs before they destroy your yard. The professionals at Custom Personalized Lawn Care are experts at grub control and will tailor your pest control treatment to your lawn’s specific needs. We guarantee our GrubPro treatment for one full year! Call us today at (800) 570-3313 or leave a message on our site. Interested in other aspects of lawn care? Follow our blog to learn more!


View Our Services

  • Weed Control & Fertilization Lawn Care

    Weed Control & Fertilization

    Our Lawn Care Program includes up to 7 applications of weed control and lawn fertilization to achieve the beautifully vibrant, green lawn you’ve always dreamed of!

    Weed Control & Fertilization
  • Mosquito Control Service

    Mosquito Control

    PLUS Perimeter Pest

    Combine with Flea & Tick for a SPECIAL DEAL!!!

    Mosquito Control
  • Flea & Tick Control

    Flea & Tick Control

    Combine with Mosquito Control for Additional protection from pests. 

    Flea & Tick Control
  • Grub Control Service

    Grub Control

    GrubPro is an exclusive offering from Custom Lawn Care that is applied once every season and is GUARANTEED for ONE FULL YEAR.

    Grub Control
  • Liquid Aeration Service

    Liquid Aeration

    The Lawn Care SECRET WEAPON!!!

    Liquid Aeration


Custom Personalized Lawn Care is your local solution for :


By Brad Diffin August 29, 2025
As August heat lingers, many homeowners notice crabgrass popping up most often along sidewalks, driveways, and curbs. These edge areas are the perfect breeding ground for crabgrass—and there’s a reason behind it. Why the Edges Are Vulnerable Concrete absorbs heat all day and releases it back into the surrounding soil, driving temperatures much higher than the rest of your yard. Cool-season grasses don’t handle these hotter, drier spots well—but crabgrass does. By late summer, conditions are just right for it to grow and spread. What’s Going On With Your Lawn Spring protection fades: Pre-emergent products applied in spring slowly break down through sunlight, microbial activity, and heat. Around concrete, where the soil can be 10–15°F warmer, this process happens faster, leaving those areas more exposed by late summer. Stressed turf = open space: Grass near curbs and walkways often weakens in the heat, creating thin spots. Dormant crabgrass seeds lying in the soil for years can then germinate and fill in these gaps. Spreading risk: Once crabgrass gets established along the edges, it doesn’t stay put—it can move into healthy turf, making it a bigger challenge for next season.  How Custom Personalized Lawn Care Responds Our late-summer treatments are designed to address these high-stress zones. We target the edges where crabgrass pressure is highest, support your grass during heat stress, and prepare your lawn for a smooth transition into fall growth. What You Can Do at Home Water border areas regularly during dry, hot weeks to relieve stress. Keep mower blades high when trimming near concrete—avoid cutting too short. Try not to disturb the soil along sidewalks and driveways, since that can bring dormant crabgrass seeds to the surface. By combining our professional care with these simple practices, you’ll reduce crabgrass pressure now and set your lawn up for healthier, stronger growth next year.
Summer Grass
By Brad Diffin July 15, 2025
Summer in Michigan brings sunshine, warm temperatures, and stress for your lawn. Between heat, drought conditions, and increased foot traffic, your grass needs extra support to stay green and healthy. That’s where summer lawn fertilization comes in. At Custom Personalized Lawn Care, we understand that every lawn in Michigan is unique. That’s why we customize our fertilization programs to fit your yard's specific needs.
Custom Lawn Care Truck at customer property for service
By Brad Diffin May 19, 2025
Thinking about DIY lawn care? Learn why choosing a professional lawn care provider can save you time, money, and deliver better, long-lasting results for your yard.
Custom Personalized Lawn Care at customer property
By Brad Diffin March 25, 2025
Kickstart a healthy yard with our complete spring lawn care guide. Learn the best tips for fertilizing, weed control, and prepping your lawn for the growing season.
Show More
Best DIY Blogs - OnToplist.com