MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

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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 2, 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.

• Turf and lawn tips during wet, cool weather

  Published on June 13, 2013
  Cool, wet weather has impacted turf growth, fertilizer applications and turf health.

• When grass produces seedheads

  Published on May 30, 2013
  Seedheads in lawns are a natural process that can’t be avoided, but keeping your mower blade sharp and applying fertilizer will keep the lawn healthy and looking good.

• Dandelions painting turf and lawns yellow

  Published on May 9, 2013
  Another annual rite of spring is upon us: dandelions. The best time to control will be at the puff ball stage.

• Quackgrass now appearing in turf

  Published on May 2, 2013
  Quackgrass infestations in lawns and other turf areas stand out this time of year due to accelerated top growth.

• Watch for European crane fly damage in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Detroit area

  Published on May 2, 2013
  Watch for European crane fly damage to lawns and golf courses in May. To be better prepared, here are pictures of European crane fly larvae, adults and turf damage.

• Dead patches in lawns or golf course roughs may be from grubs

  Published on April 25, 2013
  Watch for dead patches in lawns that grow larger over the next three weeks. Learn how to prevent grub and skunk problems in the future.

• Preemergence herbicide applications for crabgrass control

  Published on April 12, 2013
  Spring has been very slow to arrive, but models indicate many areas of central and southern Michigan may soon be in the optimum application window for preemergence herbicides.

• Reduce lawn and garden damage caused by moles, skunks and raccoons

  Published on March 12, 2013
  What you can do to discourage pests such as moles, skunks and raccoons from digging up your yard and garden.