Leatherjackets are one of the most common lawn problems. They are the larvae stage of the Common Crane Fly or “Daddy Long Legs”. These larvae can cause considerable damage to lawns, turning them into dead and barren landscapes. Leatherjacket-infested lawns attract all manner of birds, who eat the larvae as well as the adult insects.
How Do Leatherjackets Get Into Lawns?
The lifecycle of a leatherjacket begins when eggs are laid in a lawn around September. The eggs hatch throughout October. Wet and warm weather during October sees the larvae staying near the soil surface, feeding on the top of the root system. Through the winter months, very little evidence of damage is visible, as the larvae are very small in size at this point. As the larvae continue to grow, the damage they inflict becomes more extensive.
How Long Do Leatherjackets Stay In A Lawn?
Leatherjackets will stay in a lawn until they become adult Crane Flies in July and August.
Signs of a Leatherjacket Infestation
The effects of a leatherjacket infestation are most noticeable during dry spring weather when the turf starts to die off due to an inadequate root mass which is incapable of providing water and nutrients to the plant.
There are several signs that indicate the presence of leather jackets. These include the observation of a large number of adult Crane Flies during the months of July and August. The appearance of Rooks, Crows and Starlings feeding on the lawn is another sign of infestation. You may notice bare patches on the grass, as well as yellow patches in early spring, which can also indicate the presence of leatherjackets.
Is Your Lawn Infested? Contact Us For Your Free Assessment.
If you think you have an infestation of Leatherjackets, it’s time to contact the professionals at Lawn3. We offer a free, no-obligation assessment during which we will tell you what’s causing the problem and how severe it is. Leatherjacket treatment involves the application of contact insecticide to control larvae numbers.
To book your free assessment, simply call us on 01332 523856 or visit our contact page to get in touch with us via email.
Chafer Grubs
Chafer grubs are the larvae of the chager beetle. They cause problems on lawns by feeding on roots of grass plants. Read more…
General Lawn Tips
At Lawn 3 there is nothing we like better than a lush, verdant lawn that looks great all year round. Read more…
Lawn Treatments
Lawn3’s range of lawn care treatments allows you to achieve the lawn of your dreams. Read more…
Moss
Most untreated lawns in the UK are plagued by moss. This plant has been around for over 400 million years. Read more…
Weeds
Not only do weeds make your lawn look unsightly, but they will also compete with your grass for light, water and nutrients. Read more…
LEATHERJACKETS PROJECTS
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FAQ
Q)Will Lawn 3 Really Cost Me Less Than DIY, and Why?
Answer…
Yes! Our fertilisers are slow-release and last for up to three months. This is twice as long as off-the-shelf products. We also apply the right products on your lawn at the right time of year, meaning zero waste. Not only does it cost less, but it requires far less effort than DIY.
Q) What Does Lawn 3 Do?
Answer…
Lawn 3 specialises in the treatment and restoration of your lawn. We offer several types of lawn treatment which are detailed below.
Year-Round Treatment
Mar\Apr – We apply spring fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
May\Jun – We apply early summer fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
Jul\Aug – We apply late summer fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
Sept\Oct – We apply liquid iron treatment to your lawn to control moss and protect it over the winter
Nov – We apply crane fly (daddy long legs) treatment to your lawn to prevent infestation in the spring
Supplementary Treatments
These treatments can be included with your year-round treatment, or ordered independently.
Scarification – We remove moss and/or thatch from your lawn, which improves oxygen, water & nutrient levels in the soil
Aeration – This treatment improves drainage, provides space for root growth in your lawn, and allows nutrients and oxygen to the root zone
Miraclemoss – Our own organic moss control treatment, safe for pets, wildlife and your border plants
Pest Control – Chafer Grub treatments to rid your lawn of dead spots
Mowless – A treatment that reduces the speed of your lawn’s growth, reducing the need to mow and resulting in a much healthier lawn
Q) What’s the Difference between Lawn 3 Products and Garden Centre Products?
Answer…
Garden centre products are diluted so that no professional qualifications are required to buy or apply them. But this also means that they can be less effective when applied to your lawn. As well, many of these products are a mixture of lawn food, moss killer, greener and weed killer, which also compromises their effectiveness.
As well, garden centre products are designed to give a flush of growth so that you see visible results sooner. Unfortunately, much of the solution is too strong to be absorbed by your lawn and simply washes away. All of the operators at Lawn 3 are NPTC qualified, able to purchase and apply professional-strength fertilisers and weed killers to your lawn.
All of the products Lawn 3 applies are slow release, which allows a carefully regulated release of nutrients into the soil for a lawn that not only looks healthy on the surface, but really is healthy all the way from root to top.
Our Happy Clients
"Stephen Monk Lawn 3 has been looking after our lawn for nearly three years , and we are very pleased with the personal service he provides and the results achieved to date. Previously over a period of some last seven years we had a similar service from two other lawn care providers. In each case we decided, after a reasonable period, that they were not providing the service we had expected. We found Lawn 3 by an internet search, and were impressed by the personal service referred to in the website testimonials Our lawn has suffered for many years with red thread. We are currently nearly free of this thanks to Stephen. He takes considerable pride in his work and makes you feel your lawn is important to him. He is extremely approachable whilst providing a professional caring service often giving simple self help tips to improve the lawn. Thanks Stephen"
"Dear Steve, Lawn3 reseeded our lawn in the spring and we are very pleased with the result. Rather than a lawn filled with dandelions and Mind Your Own business we now have a beautiful thick green lawn - too nice to walk on! Steve is always helpful, keeps to his appointment times and has gone out of his way to give us extra advice. For anyone wondering whether to go for laying turf or seeding a lawn I would definitely recommend the latter. Our garden is shaded by a large tree so Steve has seeded with a shade tolerant grass seed - we are delighted. Thanks Steve"
