Ready for an attractive, healthy and smart lawn? View the resources below to help get you started.
Smart Gardening: Leaf Mulching
Video on mulching leaves into turf
Smart Gardening: Controlling Grubs
Learn how to mow your lawn, how to fertilize and how much to water your lawn to control grubs.
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Use rye this fall to put your garden to bed for the winter
Published on October 22, 2012
Rye as a cover crop has numerous benefits for overwintering your garden. -
Late season lawn seeding
Published on September 24, 2012
Lawns may have taken a beating from the summer drought, but it’s not too late for a little first aid for the grass blades. -
Failure to water-in insecticides after application may result in poor grub control
Published on September 21, 2012
Lawn care company asks question about lack of grub control at some sites. Failure to water-in insecticides may be the problem. -
Timing for fall fertilization and rust on turf
Published on September 7, 2012
Following a stressful summer, lawns will benefit from a timely fertilizer application in the fall and may help turfgrass out-grow rust infestations. -
Turfgrass establishment following a hot, dry summer
Published on August 22, 2012
Following the summer of 2012, many turfgrass areas and lawns may need to be over-seeded to fill in damaged or dead areas. -
What is evapotranspiration and why it matters
Published on July 25, 2012
Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.