Last year, I finished the backyard garden for this client. This spring, we were planning to start the front yard project.
But I received a message. Part of the front lawn, where we planned to install new sod, was badly damaged by European chafer beetles.
The client was worried:
“If we install new sod, won’t the same thing happen again?”
I needed to suggest solutions—and also offer new ideas.
Below is the email I sent.
Email to the Client
Hello 000,
After seeing the photos you sent, I can tell the damage is serious.
First, let me answer your biggest question: unfortunately, there is no effective way to remove the grubs immediately at this time.
Products sold at stores like The Home Depot or Lowe’s are not very effective during this season.
Here are the options I would like to suggest:
1. Keep the Lawn
If you still want new sod, installing it now may not solve the problem.
Grubs are most active until late May, and they can damage the roots of new sod.
A better plan would be:
- Remove the old lawn in March.
- Prepare the soil.
- Install new sod in late May.
From late May to June, the grubs enter the pupae stage and do not damage roots.
However:
- In July and August, adult beetles live for about 2–3 weeks and lay eggs again.
- At that time, it is very important to apply nematode treatment.
- Lawn condition should be checked every year, and nematodes applied if needed.
Healthy, well-maintained lawns are less attractive to chafer beetles, so proper lawn care is very important.
2. Remove the Lawn and Create a New Garden
This is the most certain way to avoid grub damage.
Since there are already planting beds around the lawn, instead of making everything into a traditional garden bed, I recommend a meadow garden style using:
- Ornamental grasses
- Perennials
- Ground covers
A rock garden with river rock is also common. However, considering the natural feeling of the surrounding beds, a meadow-style design would fit better.
Other possibilities:
- A mix of meadow garden + rock garden + mulch areas
- A gravel pathway or stepping stones to divide the space
- A central island planting bed with simple edges
If you are interested, I can prepare a basic design idea and an estimate.
3. Choose More Grub-Resistant Grass
Tall fescue varieties or mixing micro clover into the lawn are known to have slightly better resistance.
However, this does not completely prevent grub damage.
It only reduces the risk.
4. Alternative Lawn Blend
This uses a mix of low-growing wildflowers as a lawn replacement.
Advantages:
- No grub damage
- Small flowers add charm
Disadvantages:
- Still needs regular mowing
- If not maintained properly, it can look messy
5. Artificial Turf
This option has become very popular because it is easy to maintain.
However:
- It is the most expensive option.
- Even though products are improving, the artificial look cannot be completely removed.
Please review these options and let me know your thoughts.
Written by Andy Lee
Owner of Andy’s Landscape Inc. – Landscape Contractor in Maple Ridge, BC