Why do I have holes in my lawn so early in April? Is some animal digging in my lawn?

Leather jacket (larvae of the crane fly) have been living in this lawn since hatching from eggs last fall. Skunks or raccoons have been on this lawn getting their midnight protein snacks.

Although one may think that the animals are digging for white grubs (larvae of June bugs, Japanese beetle or European chafer), this lawn does not appear to have grubs.

Grubs eat the roots of grass and when animals dig for them, the grass usually comes up in chunks 4-6” (10-15 cm).

Leatherjackets don’t eat the roots so the lawn is still intact. Instead of chunks of lawn torn up, you only find these small holes in the lawn.

Also I did grab the grass and it did not pull up. This would happen if grubs has eaten the roots.

Please call us to discuss options for your lawn