How Do I Know If I Have Lawn Fungus Or Grubs?
You glance across the yard and spot it—a patch of grass that looks sick. Maybe it’s yellow, maybe it’s brown, maybe it’s spreading. You try watering more. Nothing happens. Then the question hits: Is this fungus or grubs?
At Red Shovel Landscaping, we’ve seen this scene unfold more times than we can count. It’s frustrating. You put time into your lawn, and now it’s misbehaving. The key to fixing it starts with knowing what you’re fighting. Lawn fungus and grubs do different damage, and they need different solutions. Let’s break it down.
What a Lawn Fungus Looks Like
Lawn fungus shows up in many forms, but here’s what most homeowners see first:
- Circular patches that are brown, gray, or straw-colored
- Ring shapes, sometimes called “fairy rings,” where the inside looks greener than the edge
- Slimy or wet-looking grass blades
- Powdery or thread-like substances sitting on top of the grass
- Rapid spread after rain or high humidity
Fungal outbreaks tend to love moisture. If it’s been raining, or if you’ve been watering too often, and then things heat up, your lawn becomes a petri dish. Fungus spreads through spores, and once it gets going, it can take over quickly if left untreated.
What Grub Damage Looks Like
Grubs are beetle larvae—white, C-shaped bugs that live underground and munch on grassroots. They don’t touch the blades or top of the grass. They hit it from below.
Look for:
- Large, irregular brown patches
- Grass that lifts like carpet because there are no roots holding it down
- Spongy feeling underfoot
- Increased animal activity—skunks, raccoons, or birds digging at night
- Timing around late summer and early fall
While lawn fungus attacks the blade and thrives in moisture, grubs quietly destroy the foundation. And by the time you notice, they’ve already done weeks of damage.
When to Call for Professional Help
Lawn trouble can be tricky. Sometimes the signs overlap, and treating the wrong problem wastes time and money. You should reach out to us at Red Shovel Landscaping if:
- You notice spreading patches and can’t tell if they’re fungal or grub-related
- The grass comes up in handfuls with no roots attached
- You’ve tried fungicide but things are still getting worse
- Animals are digging up parts of your lawn
- You plan to seed or sod soon and want the area clean first
- You want a real solution instead of guessing
We’ve got eyes trained to spot the difference in seconds. And we carry the right products and treatments so we can jump into action fast.
Our Process: How We Figure It Out
Here’s how we handle a lawn that’s acting up:
1. Visual Inspection
We walk the property with you. We look at the shape and spread of the patches, the color of the blades, and any visible patterns. The way the damage looks helps us narrow things down quickly.
2. Turf Pull Test
We grab a handful of grass and give it a tug. If it pulls right up and reveals white larvae underneath, we’re dealing with grubs. If it holds firm, we dig a little deeper.
3. Moisture and Blade Analysis
Fungal infections leave signs on the surface. We check for mold-like growth, powdery spots, or blade discoloration.
4. Customized Treatment Plan
Once we know what’s going on, we come up with a treatment. If it’s fungus, we may use a fungicide, but often it’s a matter of adjusting water and mowing habits. For grubs, we apply a control treatment to knock them out before they burrow deeper.
5. Follow-Up and Recovery
We help you get the lawn back on track—whether that means overseeding, fertilizing, or adjusting your sprinkler schedule. And we don’t leave until we know it’s working.
FAQs
Can lawn fungus and grubs happen at the same time?
Yes. We’ve seen lawn fungus in spring and grubs move in during summer. The two problems don’t cancel each other out—they tag team your lawn if left unchecked.
Will overwatering make both problems worse?
Absolutely. Lawn fungus loves damp conditions. And saturated soil helps beetles lay eggs for grubs. Proper watering is one of the best defenses against both.
Is one easier to treat than the other?
Lawn fungus often clears up with a mix of fungicide and habit changes. Grubs are a bit more stubborn, especially if they’re caught late. Early detection is the key.
Can I use store-bought treatments?
Sure, but they can miss the mark. Using a fungicide when you have grubs—or vice versa—won’t help. And incorrect application can damage the lawn even more.
How soon will my lawn recover?
If the damage isn’t too deep, you’ll start to see improvement in a few weeks. Full recovery depends on how long the issue went untreated and how fast the roots regrow.
Don’t Guess. Let’s Figure It Out Together.
We’ve met a lot of frustrated homeowners who dumped time, money, and effort into the wrong fix. Lawn fungus and grub damage might look similar from your window, but under a trained eye, they’re completely different problems.
At Red Shovel Landscaping, we don’t throw a dart and hope it hits. We look, test, and act fast. We bring experience, tools, and a straight-shooting approach. If your lawn’s in trouble, call us before you dump more fertilizer, fungicide, or water on it. Let’s bring your grass back to life—no guesswork, no wasted effort, just real answers and solid results.
