Q&A: Grubs, Lawn Aeration

A: First, water infrequently but deeply. Raise the cutting height of your mower to at least two and a half inches to discourage the female beetle from laying eggs. You can learn to live with moles, whose favorite food is grubs. Finally, ask your local nursery for Heterorhabditis heliohidus, a parasitic nematode. Spray on your lawn.

Q: When is the best time to aerate a lawn?

A: Your lawn will benefit no matter when you do it. But it's good to wait until early spring. Then you can fertilize after you aerate, and the grass will quickly cover the tracks left by the aerator.