Live in Bedford, Texas. Bought house l year ago & immediately started the organic program. Grass has been thick, green and healthy looking. Today noticed a few dead spots along the sidewalk. In addition, I can pick up large clumps of GREEN grass 5 feet from the sidewalk and the roots are gone. (as though grubs have attacked the grass). Is this chinch bugs or something else? Grass has been looking beautiful. Need help ASAP.

Thank you! Carol

To eliminate grubs as a possible culprit, dig up 1 square foot of turf in the dead area. If you find a dozen or MORE grubs, then grubs WERE the problem.

I don't have a great way to find and identify chinch bugs. If you want to get them, though, look for the Guardian brand of beneficial nematodes. They are available online.

Otherwise you have fungal problems. Apply ordinary corn meal at a rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. That's a good idea for now anyway. Do the entire lawn.