Turf Information

    Quality information that will help you our customer grow better turf upon laying our sod.

Crane Fly:

    Crane flies are vastly overrated as a source of damage to lawns in the Pacific Northwest.  There are several native species of crane fly that do no damage and are important decomposers of organic matter. 

    The European Crane Fly (Tipula paludosa) is an introduced species whose larvae will feed on grass roots and leaves in winter and early spring.  Adults do not feed on grass or other plants.  Damage from this insect is rare:  About one lawn out of 100 requires a spray to control larvae.

    However, in some cases, they build up over several years and may do serious damage to turf.  To see if you have a population of crane flies, monitor turf for weak spots, starting in January.  The larvae are found in the top 3 inches of soil and are up to 1 inch long.  If more than 25 are found per square foot of soil, treatment may be required (Oregon State University Extension Service's master gardeners). 

    For more information please access a very helpful website called Crane Fly Pests of the Pacific Northwest.