Question
Hi,
Im a lawn nut and take really good care of it year round - I live in Marlborough Massachusetts. Last summer/early fall I had some bug issues with grubs - but put down Talstar from Lesco. Subsequently in the fall I put down lime (2 x a year fall and spring)and winterizer. Well the snow is finally gone - and I let things dry out a bit, went out today to do a light rake, and the grass in some areas is pulling up like a rug...big clumps where there wasnt ( I thought) any grub issues before. Am I in trouble or am I raking too early? There are also some big mossy areas that pull right up as well...

Should I top dress and reseed these areas using starter fert with crabgrass control?
Thanks and I appreciate any insight or ideas you can give me..its a mess!

Steve  

Answer
Steve,

Unfortunately there could be many reasons why your grass seems to be missing a root system.  To answer this more I will need to know a few more things.  How long was your yard covered in snow?  What type of grass do you have in your yard?  How much Talstar did you put down and when?  Did the roots look like they had been chewed off (they might look cut if this is the case)?  Was any soil attached to the sod when it came up from raking?  By raking I assume you mean dethatching, is that correct?  Is the moss that you said was comming up wanted?  

Answer these questions to the best of your ability and we will go from there.  Sometimes it's kinda like diagnosing a person.  We'll get you back up and growing in not time!  

Thanks

turfnut