Broadleaf herbicides are most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing. During prolonged periods of dry weather, some weeds are likely to curl up or wilt. An application of a broadleaf herbicide to drought stressed…
Borax has sometimes been touted to kill creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) in lawns. Borax contains boron, an essential plant micronutrient. However, the difference between plant requirements and toxicity problems is very small. When…
Herbicide residues should not be a problem if the grass clippings are thoroughly composted. As an added safety measure, mow the lawn two or three times before collecting and adding the clippings to the compost pile.
In most cases, very little to no damage will occur to the lawn when a pool, hot tub, or other chlorinated water source is emptied on it, provided it is not done frequently, dumped all in one spot, and care is taken to reduce the chlorine…
Leaving the leaves alone is a good way to support native pollinators and other insects and wildlife. These valuable insects rely on the habitat fallen leaves provide, especially over the winter…
When the lawn is allowed to grow tall, it can produce seed heads. It stands to reason that if the seed heads are allowed to mature, the seed can fall to the ground, germinate, and grow, effectively overseeding the lawn and promoting a…
Grass clippings contribute very little to thatch development because clippings are primarily cellulose and decompose quickly. There is no need to remove grass clippings when lawns are mowed properly. Infrequent mowing of tall grass…
The appearance of the turfgrass is the best way to determine when to water the lawn. The ideal time to water a lawn is at the first signs of water stress. Turfgrasses that have adequate supplies of water are normally dark green in color. For cool…
Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow label directions. When applying liquid formulations, potential spray drift problems can be avoided by following simple precautions. Don’t spray when winds exceed 5 mph.…
Violets (Viola species) are native to Iowa. Native habitats vary from dry, rocky prairies to moist woodlands. Violets are also found in lawns, especially in shady areas.
Choosing the right alternative lawn requires evaluating how the space will be used, how much maintenance and other inputs you're willing to provide, and understanding what "look" or aesthetic you are willing to accept. Below are some uses…
The best way to prevent crabgrass infestations in lawns is to maintain a thick, healthy lawn through proper mowing, irrigation, and fertilization. Crabgrass will have a difficult time germinating and surviving in a dense stand of turfgrass.…
Ground ivy (“creeping Charlie”) in lawns can be controlled with broadleaf herbicides. Products that contain 2,4-D or triclopyr are most effective. 2,4-D is an active ingredient in many broadleaf herbicide products. Triclopyr can…
In small areas, some weeds can be controlled by pulling and digging. This method is best accomplished after a soaking rain or deep watering. Unfortunately, pulling and digging is often ineffective on deep-rooted weeds.
Nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi) is a warm-season perennial grass. Nimblewill is a thin, wiry grass that is pale green or gray-green. It spreads by aboveground shoots or stolons, often forming circular spots in the lawn.…
Perennial broadleaf weeds die back to ground level in fall but send up new growth in spring. These weed species have leaves that are wider and are typically botanically classified as eudicots (dicots). Perennial weeds reproduce by…
Perennial grassy weeds die back to ground level in fall but send up new growth in spring. These weed species have long, narrow leaves with parallel veins. They are often in the Poaceae (grass) family or a closely related family and…
Tall fescue is a cool-season perennial grass occasionally present in Iowa lawns. Because it has good drought, heat, and foot-traffic tolerance, the narrow-leaf varieties (sometimes called turf-type) can be a welcome addition to the…
“Water grass” is an ambiguous name. Several plants are occasionally referred to as water grass. Two common lawn weeds that are sometimes referred to as “water grass” are crabgrass and yellow nutsedge.
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a creeping perennial. It is a common plant in many Iowa lawns because it is a prolific seed producer and adapts well to mowing and other lawn care practices. Its presence is often a sign of…
Most garden areas, including the lawn, vegetable garden, and perennial garden, perform best when they receive an inch of water each week. When this is not supplied by rain, the gardener must do it using a hose, bucket, or sprinkler.
Knowing the area of the garden bed or lawn is necessary for applying fertilizers or pesticides, determining how much mulch is needed, or determining the number of plants needed to fill a space.
The first step in planting a new lawn is the establishment of the rough grade. Remove construction debris, then fill in low spots and level off high areas. The ground should slope away from the foundation of the house, drive, and…
Mosses in lawns are usually a sign of poor growing conditions. Turfgrasses have a difficult time growing in heavy shade, compacted soils, or other poor sites. However, mosses are adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions.…
Mushrooms are the reproductive or fruiting structures of fungi. Their appearance in the lawn usually indicates decaying tree stumps or roots in the soil. In garden beds, mushrooms can appear because they are associated with decaying organic…
Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) and quackgrass (Elymus repens) are two weedy grasses that stand out in traditional lawns as the leaves are much coarser than the Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues that are typically…
Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a perennial plant. It has an upright, spreading growth habit and can reach a height of 2 feet. The dark green leaves of birdsfoot trefoil consist of 3 leaflets and 2 broad leaf-like…
The most effective way to remove a thatch layer of ½ inch or greater is with a vertical mower or power rake. Late summer (September) is the best time to dethatch lawns in Iowa. Late summer dethatching gives the turfgrass several weeks…
Most garden areas, including the lawn, vegetable garden, and perennial garden, perform best when they receive an inch of water each week. When this is not supplied by rain, the gardener must do it using a hose, bucket, or sprinkler.
Fertilization rates range from 0.50 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, depending on application time and the quality level of lawn you wish to grow.
To figure out how much fertilizer you will need to apply to your…
