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  Drought conditions begin to impact Michigan landscapes

  Published on June 28, 2016
  Dry weather may put some trees and shrubs at risk. Watch for common signs of drought stress on landscape plants.

• The spread of non-native invasive forest pests pose difficult problems once established in Michigan

  Published on June 14, 2016
  Forest pests could create serious problems if Michiganders aren’t vigilant.

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  Controlling mossy stonecrop in lawns

  Published on June 9, 2016
  Mossy stonecrop, commonly called Sedum, can be a difficult weed to remove from lawns.

• Five tips to manage lawns for water quality

  Published on May 26, 2016
  Lawn area makes up a large part of the land surface in communities. Proper maintenance and management of these areas can protect water quality.

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  Seedheads, hawkweed and slime mold in lawns

  Published on May 19, 2016
  Now is when seedheads push through turfgrass, orange and yellow hawkweed flowers and slime mold covers turf blades.

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  Will grass grow in my shady lawn?

  Published on April 28, 2016
  Grasses need eight or more hours of full sunlight a day. If you’re struggling to grow grass even after water and fertilizing, a shady lawn may be the problem.

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  Springtime animal damage in your landscape

  Published on April 14, 2016
  Recognize who is causing damage to your yard and landscape during spring and how to prevent it.

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  Lawn tips to save you money

  Published on April 8, 2016
  Five tips for maintaining a lawn while doing less and hopefully saving some cash.

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  Caution: Moles at work

  Published on December 2, 2015
  Mole damage can appear differently, but it’s the same guys digging.

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  Grub damage to lawns is being reported now in drought-stricken parts of Michigan

  Published on November 3, 2015
  White grub damage is being reported now because drought conditions in some areas have weakened and thinned turf root systems, making lawns much more susceptible to grub-feeding injury. Insecticide treatments may or may not be effective at this time.

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  Master Gardeners help spread Smart Gardening message to Michigan residents

  Published on July 15, 2015
  Three Upper Peninsula Master Gardener trainees completed the Smart Gardening outreach training and are spreading the environmentally friendly soils, plants, lawns and vegetables message.

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  White clover exploding in lawns

  Published on June 26, 2015
  White clover is one tough weed to control and seems to be invading lawns and turfgrass everywhere this summer.

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  It’s not too late to mulch fallen leaves into lawns

  Published on November 17, 2014
  Keep mulching your leaves through the season – don’t bag ‘em! Michigan State University research shows it’s great for your lawn.

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  Low maintenance lawns in the Midwest

  Published on February 13, 2014
  There are several factors to consider when lowering the maintenance needs of your lawn.

• Shady lawn alternatives

  Published on January 30, 2014
  Make your shady area the most beautiful place in your yard.

• The secret to good lawns is good soil

  Published on July 25, 2013
  Many home lawns face challenges that can’t be solved with fertilizer or pesticide applications. Often you have to look deeper to find the solution.

• Tips for seeding your lawn during summer

  Published on July 11, 2013
  Summer conditions make it difficult to establish new grass in lawns. Here are some tips if you can’t wait for fall.

• Will your lawn be attacked by grubs this year?

  Published on July 8, 2013
  Smart gardeners check for beetles now to predict whether grubs are a problem.

• Controlling crabgrass after it emerges

  Published on June 27, 2013
  Crabgrass has emerged in many turf and lawn areas, and there are several herbicide options available for post-emergence control.

• Two easy tips for avoiding grub damage in your yard

  Published on June 27, 2013
  July is the best time to treat for European chafer grubs in home lawns, or you can avoid this problem by irrigating more and raising the mowing height.