Question
Hi: I live in NJ. Last year we had a horrible problem with grubs (although we had a lawn care company taking care of our lawn). They grubs destroyed our lawn. We had to thatched and power seeded the entire lawn. I don't know if i can go apply all the treatments as if our lawn was mature (grab grass treatment, fertilizer, lime etc. I would like to ask you 2 questions: 1) can i start with fertilizing (crab grass killer treatment)etc, as before or the chemical will kill my new grass? 2) How about grub killer application treatment? Thanks for your help, Regards, Trish Proulx

Answer
If the lawn was well established last fall then you could apply fertilizer w/crabgrass preventer, but I would recommend that you skip it. You will probably not have a huge problem with crabgrass anway. If crabgrass is a problem this year, then apply it next spring (crabgrass is an annual plant which die in winter but which set seeds in summer and fall). It can be controlled in future if it becomes a problem.

Fertilize in late may, early september and 1st week of november. avoid fertilizer during hot summer months. These 3 times are the most important for us in New Jersey.

I recommend an insecticide for grubs this year. Apply Scott's Grub-Ex or "Bayer Advanced All Season Long Grub Control" in June. These two products contain merit (active ingredient Imidacloprid) which is safe to use on lawns. I dont recommend many of the other alternatives which also kill earthworms etc. Merit (imidacloprid) is a good alternative. Check lable on the back of the bag for this ingredient.