Which is an indication of a subsurface insect problem?

Which is an indication of a subsurface insect problem?

• A. Overall thinning of the turf
• B. Bright, uniform color
• C. Increased soil moisture without irrigation
• D. Rapid new shoot growth

Answer: (A)

Subsurface insect activity damages the roots, so the turf loses density and the canopy becomes thinner even if the color doesn’t look obviously stressed yet. When roots are compromised, the grass can’t take up water and nutrients effectively, leading to a general thinning across the turf rather than just isolated spots. The other signs don’t fit this scenario: a bright, uniform color points to healthy root function and even nutrition, not root feeding; more soil moisture without extra watering suggests drainage or irrigation issues rather than pests; and rapid new shoot growth happens when conditions are favorable for growth, not when roots are being fed on. So the overall thinning of the turf is the clearest indicator of a subsurface insect problem.

Subsurface insect activity damages the roots, so the turf loses density and the canopy becomes thinner even if the color doesn’t look obviously stressed yet. When roots are compromised, the grass can’t take up water and nutrients effectively, leading to a general thinning across the turf rather than just isolated spots. The other signs don’t fit this scenario: a bright, uniform color points to healthy root function and even nutrition, not root feeding; more soil moisture without extra watering suggests drainage or irrigation issues rather than pests; and rapid new shoot growth happens when conditions are favorable for growth, not when roots are being fed on. So the overall thinning of the turf is the clearest indicator of a subsurface insect problem.