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I went to mow the yard today and found 1-2 inch plugs of grass pulled out of the ground all over the place. It looks more like the result of digging than a deliberate pulling out.

What could be doing this, and what can I do about it?

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2  
I have a similar problem with my lawn - the culprits are squirrels digging up the nuts and seeds that settle in the thatch when they are blown down from surrounding trees. Do you have any trees nearby? – Mancuniensis Jul 1 '11 at 23:44
@Mancuniensis I practically live under a forest :) – Chuck Jul 2 '11 at 0:23
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This time of year, at least up north, squirrels are more likely to be burying than digging up - but the effect will be the same. If it's near oak tree(s) or other nut trees, that's probably it. – Ed Staub Sep 13 '11 at 18:27

1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote accepted

I've had this happen many times over the years. In my case, it was flocks of crows tearing up the lawn looking for grubs. It's almost comical how they rip out a piece of sod and toss it over their shoulder.

Almost.

On the other hand, the grubs can't be good either. You might want to try some grub killer.

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I've seen this kind of damage from robins (at least I think it was robins, I didn't catch them in the act). – bstpierre Jul 4 '11 at 18:13
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Skunks will do it here (New Hampshire). Armadillos will do it down your way, too.. anything that likes those tasty grubs. – Ed Staub Sep 13 '11 at 18:25

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