Ground Pearls in Central Arkansas: What They Are and What You Can Do

If you’ve noticed slow-spreading dead patches in your lawn that never seem to recover—no matter how much you water or fertilize—you may be dealing with ground pearls. In Central Arkansas, ground pearls are a common but often misunderstood lawn pest, especially in Bermuda and Zoysia grass. At Lazer Treatment Division, we believe education is just as important as treatment, so here’s what you need to know.

What Are Ground Pearls?

Ground pearls are soil-dwelling insects related to scale insects. They get their name from the small, hard, pearl-like cysts they form in the soil. These cysts attach to grass roots and feed on them, slowly starving the turf of nutrients and water.

Unlike surface-feeding insects, ground pearls live deep in the soil, making them extremely difficult to detect and control.

Why Ground Pearls Are a Problem

Ground pearl damage is often mistaken for drought stress or disease due to visual similarities. It develops very slowly, and over time, affected areas become thin, discolored, and eventually die out.

Common signs include:

• Patchy areas of thinning or dead grass

• Damage that spreads gradually over months or years

• Turf that does not respond to fertilizer or watering

• Affected areas often appearing during summer stress

In Central Arkansas soils—especially compacted or clay-heavy areas—ground pearls can persist for years if left unmanaged.

Why Ground Pearls Are So Hard to Control

One of the most frustrating aspects of ground pearls is that there is no true chemical “kill” once they are established. Their protective shell makes them resistant to insecticides, and they can remain dormant in the soil for long periods.

This is why ground pearl management focuses on improving turf conditions, not eradication.

How We Manage Ground Pearls

While ground pearls can’t be eliminated overnight, there are effective strategies to reduce their impact and help your lawn outgrow the damage:

1. Improve Overall Turf Health

A strong, healthy lawn can better tolerate ground pearl pressure. Proper fertilization, watering, and mowing practices are critical.

2. Reduce Soil Compaction

Compacted soil creates an ideal environment for ground pearls. Core aeration helps improve root growth, oxygen flow, and water penetration.

3. Encourage Root Development

Deep, infrequent watering and balanced fertilization help strengthen root systems, giving Bermuda and Zoysia grass a better chance to survive.

4. Renovate Severely Affected Areas

In heavily damaged spots, renovation may be necessary. This can include soil improvement, re-sodding, or re-establishing turf once conditions improve.

What Homeowners Should Avoid

• Overwatering – Excess moisture does not fix ground pearl damage and can weaken turf further.

• Over-fertilizing – This can stress grass and create additional problems without solving the root issue.

• DIY “Miracle Treatments” – Unfortunately, many advertised solutions simply don’t work against ground pearls.

Why Professional Evaluation Matters

Because ground pearl damage mimics other lawn problems, misdiagnosis is common. At Lazer Treatment Division, we evaluate soil conditions, turf response, and damage patterns to determine whether ground pearls are the likely cause—and then build a realistic plan moving forward.

Let Lazer Treatment Division Help

If your Bermuda or Zoysia lawn has stubborn dead spots that never seem to improve, ground pearls may be the culprit. While there’s no instant fix, the right strategy can dramatically improve your lawn’s appearance and long-term health.

📞 Contact Lazer Treatment Division today for an evaluation and a science-based lawn care plan tailored to Central Arkansas conditions.