Should I mow before applying grub killer?

Cutting grass before treatment with grub killer is important for both efficacy and safety reasons. This will eliminate flowering plants that attract pollinating insects and lessen their exposure to the chemicals. I always mow 24 hours before treatment day, allowing the grass time to "recover" slightly. This positions the surface for optimal chemical absorption, without compromising the protective grass height.

Maintain a height of 3.5-4 inches to strike a balance between weed control and turf protection. Shorter grass exposes the soil and allows chemicals to penetrate, but invites scalping. Taller grass protects weeds and prohibits uniform coverage. I use the ruler to measure the height of the grass before each use, ensuring an even height on the lawn.

Avoid chemical transfer by never mowing treated wet grass. Residuals will transfer from mower blades beyond the target area. I wait until the grass crackles underfoot, indicating that it has dried completely. Equipment must be cleaned with soapy water after mowing treated lawns to prevent cross-contamination.

It takes timing with weather patterns for the utmost in safety. Do not treat before rainstorms threaten, which will easily wash chemicals into rivers, lakes, etc. Take advantage of dry spells and periods when pollinator activity is low to apply chemicals. My weather alerts through my applications help me set up optimal timing for treatments many weeks in advance.

Establish a rhythm for seasonal mowing that prevents grub introduction as a result of feeding activities by beetles. During the peak season of beetle life cycles, I will mow higher to keep egg-laying to a minimum (especially in areas of thin turf) to prevent the introduction of grubs. After treatments, I lower my blades gradually as recovery progresses. This proactive approach has reduced infestations in my customers' maintenance by as much as 60%.

Read the full article: Effective Lawn Grub Treatment Guide