Sawflies are especially damaging on Scotch and Mugo pine, and can seriously weaken trees through defoliation. If only a few larvae are present then simply knocking them off the tree either by hand or with a garden hose will help. They seldom find their way back up onto the tree. Larger populations should be treated as soon as possible. Chemical controls, like Sevin, are most effective when the larvae are small.
Proper management can do much to encourage a dense, vigorous turf and discourage weeds.
The most common causes of poor turf and weedy lawns are improper mowing, fertilizing and watering and inadequate drainage. Soil compaction, disease and insect outbreaks can also thin turf stands, allowing weeds to invade. Use of adapted cultivars, proper mowing height, fertilization, irrigation, soil drainage modification and a number of other cultural practices will promote a competitive turf. Refer to Extension Circular EC 1557, Integrated Management, Guide for Nebraska Turfgrass for more information on recommended cultural practices. Chemical Control Herbicides provide an effective and convenient method of controlling weeds in turf, but should be considered supplemental to proper cultural and mechanical control methods.