Leatherjackets are the larvae of Crane fly (Daddy long legs). The larvae hatch from eggs laid in grass during July, August and September. They burrow down into the soil and start feeding on grass roots. As they feed and grow they do progressively more damage to the grass and by spring can have eaten enough roots to kill patches of a lawn. Damage can also be caused by birds digging the lawn in search of the grubs.

STEP 1 – ARE CRANEFLY PRESENT?

Between June and October observe whether any Cranefly (Daddy long legs) are present on the grass.

STEP 2 – CHECK FOR LEATHERJACKETS

From September through the winter check for Leatherjackets by digging 3-5cm down into the soil with a spade, especially if Cranefly were seen, and/or there are any signs of deterioration in the lawn.

STEP 3 – TREAT WITH NEMATODES

Chemical treatments for leatherjackets are now banned worldwide. Treatment with nematodes is undertaken only once leatherjackets have been observed in the autumn. They should then be applied according to instructions. They are live worms so must be used within 2 weeks of supply, with sufficient water and soil temperature higher than 12C.They will kill the grubs within a few weeks. A further application can be made if necessary.

Other measures which can be taken include covering the lawn with polythene over night to encourage leatherjackets to the surface. They can then be removed from the surface in the morning.

STEP 4 – CHECK AGAIN IN THE SPRING

Having used nematodes, especially if you notice a patchy lawn, check again for leatherjackets the following Spring (March) and treatment can be repeated once the soil is warm enough.

FINAL THOUGHTS

New turf is more susceptible to damage while its root system gets established so preventative action is advisable. But even a healthy established lawn could be affected. We saw a few instances of this in Spring 2016 after a particularly warm and wet winter. So use of nematodes following the presence of Cranefly in the summer is important.

Further sources of advice and suppliers of Leatherjacket Nematodes:

www.turfgrass.co.uk/2020/09/30/insects-in-your-lawn/

www.amazon.co.uk

www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=651

www.rhs.org.uk/advice/pdfs/biological-control-suppliers

Contact us or search Google for suppliers of Nematodes and for information about leatherjackets. Please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com​

We now cut turf in square metre rolls. But we can work out your turf requirements whether you have measured in metres or yards and feet without any difficulty.

If your patch is square or rectangular it is a simple matter of length x width. If some of the edges of your area are a bit wiggly or slightly slanted the best approach is to “square-off” the measurements you take. That way you will certainly cover the area with just a small amount of wastage where the edge falls inside the rectangle.

Tricky shapes can be hard to estimate and inevitably you could end up ordering too few or too many turf. We will do all we can to help you get it as near as possible but please be aware that we cannot take back any turf which you have surplus. If you find you have spare rolls you could see if a neighbour could use it. Or if you unroll the turf and keep it watered, even just left on concrete the grass will remain healthy and reusable for as long as 2 weeks.

If you use up all the rolls you ordered and find you need just a few more this may be less than our minimum order quantity. However for small quantities you can go to the garden centres we supply and collect some. Please contact us so we can tell you the nearest to you and when they will have a fresh supply. Or you can see their phone numbers on our “Garden Centres” page.

For awkward shapes there are some approaches that we suggest. Where it is quite a large area and very hard to calculate, for example due to lots of curved edges, for which there isn’t really a means of calculating, you could under-order and focus on laying the most wiggly parts first. This hopefully leaves you with the final part which is easier for you to measure.

We are also happy to have a look at your sketch or detailed plan to see if we can work it out for you. You can send this to us by fax or email, or call in to the office with it. There is no charge for any of this help with ordering but unfortunately we cannot visit your site to measure. The exception to this would be if you ask us to arrange a laying service for you.

Whatever your requirements we will always advise you what different options we can identify, what the cost and other implications are and try to help with your decision.

We supply quality turf all year round. If you would like any further advice on lawn care or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com