What can happen to turf grass that is seriously damaged by grubs?

When turf grass is seriously damaged by grubs, one significant outcome is that it can be rolled back like a carpet. This occurs because grubs feed on the roots of the grass, leading to a lack of anchorage for the grass blades. As the roots are severed or destroyed, the grass loses its ability to stay firmly in place, allowing it to be lifted easily from the soil. This physical damage reveals the extent of the infestation and the impact on the grass's health.

While turf grass can indeed turn yellow and wither due to stress from grub feeding, this symptom alone does not directly indicate the severity of the damage in a structural way like the rolling back effect does. The sponginess or softness of the turf can also occur; however, it is more indicative of overwatering or other issues rather than a clear sign of grub damage. Development of mold is typically a result of poor air circulation or moisture issues rather than a direct consequence of grub feeding on the grass. Thus, the unique characteristic of being able to lift the grass like a carpet effectively illustrates the severe impact of grub infestation.