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Japanese Beetle Grubs #839457

Asked July 07, 2023, 12:13 PM EDT

Hi- I'm wondering if Japanese Beetle Larvae will damage plants or just turf grass. Can I plant plants/ shrubs in an area where the lawn was damaged by the grubs or do I have to completely handle the grub problem before anything else will grow? I can't really find anything with an internet search that talks about anything other than lawn damage. Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Most of  the literature states that JB grubs feed not just on lawn roots, but on the roots of other ornamentals.  However, I am not aware of significant damage the grubs cause to shrub roots.  My guess is that the grubs have a specific soil-depth preference, and that the shrub roots are more extensive than shallow-rooted lawns and so can withstand any JB feeding.  Furthermore, grub treatments use pesticides that are highly toxic to pollinator species, so I would not recommend using them to treat what is likely a non-issue.

Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 07, 2023, 2:31 PM EDT
Hi Dennis-

Thanks so much for your prompt response!  Other than turf damage, there just really wasn't any other info out there.  I'm actually a garden coach and was asking for a client, but this one was a bit beyond me.  Thanks so much for your help!

Michelle Spangler

On Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 1:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT

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