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Homeowners warned over hidden ‘gardener’s nightmare’ in lawns that turns them yellow

Gardening experts warn that yellow lawn patches signal leatherjacket infestations, where larvae from crane flies feed on grass roots and cause turf to die out.
Damp soil and wet weather create perfect conditions for eggs to hatch. Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People, said: "But after the wet weather we have had, the damp soil is the perfect setting for the eggs to hatch into leatherjackets."
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends covering turf with black polythene overnight to reveal grubs beneath the surface. Crows and other birds often descend to feed on pests, though "their pecking can often make damage appear worse."
Beyond lawns, leatherjackets threaten vegetable plots and garden borders. RHS notes these pests can damage "small planters in garden borders and vegetable plots by eating roots."
Maintaining efficient drainage and aerating soil are key preventative measures, Chris explains. He emphasized: "Prevention is the best course of action" and "regular feeds can also keep your lawn in tiptop condition.

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