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Woodland Assessment Worksheet
Iowa’s woodlands provide landowners and society with a diverse range of critical ecosystem goods and services. Quickly evaluate your woodland areas so you can make informed decisions about your woodland resources and have effective conversations with professional foresters.
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$0.00
2024 Garden Calendar - Tree Care
Trees bring many benefits to home landscapes: lowering energy bills by providing shade or blocking winter winds, offering fruit for people and wildlife, and demonstrating beauty with attractive bark, seasonal flowers, or foliage throughout the seasons. With careful maintenance trees can be enjoyed for many years.

This calendar provides tips on properly caring for trees so that they may last a lifetime or more in your landscape.
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Calendar
$8.00
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Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals - 2023 Edition
This guide provides weed identification and control information that turfgrass professionals can use to develop effective weed control programs for golf courses, athletic fields, sod farms, lawns, and other turfgrass systems. The recommendations apply to the majority of the United States, with input from experts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The guide is available in printed form or as a PDF from Purdue University.
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2021 Summary - Horticulture Research Station
This report contains a summary of the research conducted at the Horticulture Research Station in 2021.

To access reports from past years, visit the Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Report archive.
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Turfgrass Renovation
There are times when lawns are damaged by heat, drought, disease, and other factors beyond one’s control to the extent that reseeding may become necessary. Situations also arise where the area was originally established to inferior species or cultivars, or where the area has become infested with perennial weeds, such as bromegrass, orchardgrass, and quackgrass that cannot be selectively controlled. If the slopes and contours on the area are satisfactory, it may be possible to reestablish the area without major tillage. This is referred to as “turfgrass renovation.”

Previously known as PM 1055
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Purchasing Seed
When deciding which turfgrass is best for a lawn, purchasing high quality seed is important. Garden center shelves contain a wide range of seed choices. Often a mixture or a blend of turfgrass seed is available. A blend is several cultivars or varieties of the same turfgrass species, while a mixture contains two or more turfgrass species.

Previously known as PM 1577
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Natural (Organic) Fertilization for Turf
Increased environmental concerns surrounding soluble nitrogen sources have forced many to reconsider organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers, as well as slow-release synthetic sources, release small amounts of nitrogen over long periods. University research from across the country has concluded that when applied correctly, organic and slow-release products will reduce environmental impact.
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Turfgrass Calendar: Warm-Season Grasses for Lawns in Iowa
Warm-season grasses are best adapted to temperatures between 75 and 95°F. This calendar talks more in depth about warm season grasses and best practice to grow them.
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Turfgrass Biological Soil Health
Soil health or soil quality refers to the ability of soil to function and sustain productivity, enhance and maintain water and air quality, and support plant health. Soils provide many essential functions, such as regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, reducing potential pollutants, cycling nutrients, and physical stability. Soil health involves physical, chemical, and biological processes and properties.
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Want Yard or Garden Information? - Ask Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
You’ll find more than 100 publications with facts about flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits, lawns, trees, and shrubs listed in this gardening resources publication.
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Turfgrass Management Calendar: Kentucky Bluegrass Lawns
A lawn's overall appearance is directly related to the proper timing of maintenance activities and sticking with a solid, well-timed plan for several years in a row. This publication discusses the timing of lawn maintenance activities such as mowing, fertilization, watering, weed control, seeding and much more. It provides instructions on how each activity should be implemented during different phases of the calendar.

Previously known as PM 1063. PM1063
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Oak Wilt - Identification and Management - Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Oak wilt, the most damaging disease of oak trees in lowa, has killed many forest and landscape oaks in the eastern and central United States. Oak wilt has not devastated its host species, however, mainly because its spread from diseased to healthy trees has been relatively slow and sporadic. Nevertheless, local outbreaks of oak wilt can kill or injure many trees. The management practices described in this publication can help minimize the risk of losing oaks to this disease.
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Identifying Tree Problems - Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Use this 8-page publication filled with guidelines for examining unhealthy trees and finding expert help.
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Shade Trees for Iowa - Ash Alternatives
This publication lists several shade tree selections for the Iowa landscape. It lists trees that might serve as replacements for the ash tree, which is susceptible to the emerald ash borer.
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Dutch Elm Disease and Disease-Resistant Elms -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Find out about disease-resistant elms to combat Dutch Elm Disease.
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Verticillium Wilt of Woody Plants -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Learn about symptoms and management strategies for Verticillium wilt which affects a wide range of trees and woody shrubs. This publication also provides a list of susceptible and resistant tree species.
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Community Tree Planting and Care Guide
Trees provide many benefits to communities such as improved air quality, wildlife habitat and reduced energy consumption during the summer and winter. This publication discusses proper techniques for selecting, planting and caring for trees.

To allow for this publication to be distributed to as many people possible, please limit your order to one copy per person, or no more than five copies per company. We appreciate your cooperation with this request.

Previously referenced as PM 1591.
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Mowing Your Lawn
Mowing is an extremely common practice related to lawn care. This publication provides information on the frequency a lawn should be mowed and the proper height to cut the grass. Operating a mower is also discussed, as are safety measures.  PM 1213
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Management and Control of Summer Patch (Magnaporthe poae)
Summer patch and necrotic ring spot are common fungi that affect turfgrass. This publication discusses how to identify the fungi, its characteristics and how to manage it if grass is infected.


Previously referenced as SUL 0017
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Managing the Field within the Field
The most important step in site-specific management is the identification of high traffic areas. Proper diagnosis of the cause of the problem, whether due to overuse, compaction, poor drainage, weed encroachment, or various other factors will provide a better return on investment and create increased safety and longevity of all fields.
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Putting the Field to Bed
To insure health in the spring, an athletic field must be properly cared for before winter hits. This publication discusses how to get a fall sport field ready for the winter and how to get a spring sport field ready for competition.
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Topdressing Athletic Fields
This publication discusses whether a topdressing program is the right path to take, how to incorporate a program through cultivation, general costs of topdressing, the importance of sand particle size and how much sand is needed when applied on the surface following aerification.
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Identifying Miscanthus in Iowa
Do you know the difference between the Miscanthus species? One species of Miscanthus is now being evaluated for its bioenergy potential. However, two other species of Miscanthus are becoming invasive in the United States. Due to the invasive risk, this resource will help you learn to identify each species.
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Preventing Compaction on Athletic Fields
This publication highlights school professionals and their influence on the overall use of the athletic field and natural turf quality.
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Athletic Field Seeding and Irrigation Tips
Due to the high demand for athletic fields, renovation intervals of fields have become shorter over the last decade. Facilities are being pushed for quick turnaround to make game fields ready, from less than one year of establishment to as short as 3–4 months. This publication provides athletic turf managers with alternative seeding rates and irrigation options for reviving current grass or complete renovation of field turf.
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Sodding a New Lawn
Sodding is the quickest way to establish a new turf area around new construction or to repair damaged lawns. While spring and fall are the preferable sodding times for cool-season grasses, sod can be established whenever the ground is not frozen or snow-covered. This publication provides homeowners with an overview of items to consider when establishing a new lawn and steps to take for best results.

Previously known as PM 491 - Sod Establishment
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Selecting a Grass Species for Iowa Lawns
No one type of grass species will thrive in all landscapes. Environmental conditions vary from one side of the state to the other. New, improved cultivars possess specific characteristics to counter these variations and are now available to Iowa homeowners. These guidelines for selecting a grass species will help prevent lawn problems in the future.
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Fall Tips to Ensure a Healthy Green Yard in the Spring
In the fall, is the perfect time for maintaining your lawn. It's time to focus on turfgrass practices such as mowing, aeration, fertilization and seeding. The work you do in the fall helps your lawn recover from summer stresses and prepares it for another Iowa winter. This publication offers best practices to ensure a healthy lawn through the fall months and to start next spring with the necessary steps.
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Responsible Phosphorus Management Practices for Lawns
Following specific phosphorus management practices for turfgrass can help reduce potential pollution in surface water and groundwater.
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Weed Control in Home Lawns
Maintain a weed-free lawn and learn about herbicides and how to use them.

Prior to use, it is always wise to check and see if the chemicals mentioned within are allowed in your area.
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Lawn Fertilization
Use this publication to make lawn fertilization decisions based on soil and turfgrass needs, as well as fertilizer content and type. Also find the benefits of fertilizer, application procedures, and necessary precautions in this fact sheet.
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Establishing a Lawn from Seed
Following proper procedures and planting high quality seed are the keys to successfully establishing a lawn. More details here.
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Growing Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Iowa
To successfully grow in Iowa, select cold hardy varieties, choose suitable planting sites, and follow recommended planting procedures.
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Guidelines for Selecting Trees
Selecting a single tree for your yard or several hundred for your community will be more rewarding if you take time to critically evaluate the proposed planting site and the reasons for planting trees on that site.
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Organic Mulches
When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability. Includes information on using bark, cocoa-bean hulls, corncobs, grass clippings, leaves, newspapers, pine needles, sawdust, straw, and wood chips.
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Viburnums: Ideal Shrubs for Iowa Landscapes
Learn about the best viburnum species and cultivars for mid-Iowa (hardiness zones 4 and 5); also site selection and care and maintenance.
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Choosing an Arborist
Tree work should be performed only by a properly trained and equipped arborist. Considerations in choosing an arborist include certification, insurance, references, contracts, etc.
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Sustainable Home Landscapes
Sustainable landscapes require less time, money and other resources.

This book provides information on creating an environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and beautiful landscape by placing the right plant at the right place.
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$6.00
Common Problems of Ash Trees
Many ash tree problems can be mistaken for emerald ash borer infestation. Before removal or needlessly treating with pesticides, use this diagnostic guide to distinguish emerald ash borer injury from other common problems of ash.
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Grasses for Special Uses -- Reiman Gardens
Describes and compares five grass species for use in special situations, including buffalograss, zoysiagrass, creeping bentgrass, rough bluegrass, and annual ryegrass.
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Understanding the Effects of Flooding on Trees -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Flood-stressed trees show a variety of symptoms and also become candidates for insect and disease damage. Research has found some trees are more tolerant than others.
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Conifer Species for Iowa -- Community Trees
With their ever-present foliage, conifers make excellent screens, windbreaks, and hedges and provide year-round visual interest. The included list of recommended conifers is a guide for homeowners and landscape professionals.
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Understanding Decline in Trees -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Tips on how to identify, prevent, or reduce the stress-causing factors that lead to tree decline.
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Pruning Trees: Shade, Flowering, and Conifer -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Discover the art and science of pruning with informative photos and detailed guidelines.
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Managing Storm-Damaged Trees -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Here are pruning tips for do-it-yourselfers or hiring hints if you bring in a professional.
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Landscape Plants for the Midwest
Creating a beautiful, functional landscape depends on putting the right plant in the right place. This collection of plant lists is organized by plant type and size. Each entry also gives the USDA Hardiness zone, light requirements, growth habit, flowering and fruiting characteristics, and additional attributes or comments. Includes a very helpful index.
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Anthracnose of Shade Trees
Anthracnose is one of the most common foliage diseases of shade trees in Iowa. Find out about symptoms and management. Color photos.
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Home Landscape -- Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design
Whether you want to do-it-yourself or are working with a professional, this guide offers a step-by-step approach to understanding the design process. Color photos and diagrams show how to use basic design elements to create a pleasing and functional space. Included worksheets can assist you in analyzing your site. An additional resource list and convenient index are also found inside.
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Deciduous Shrubs
More than 110 photos plus descriptions of 75 deciduous shrubs (organized by height) will simplify your hunt for the right shrub for your landscape. A comparison chart identifies those with the most ornamental value. Recommendations also are given for specific planting needs, such as dry or wet soils, shaded sites, and food for birds and other wildlife.
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$5.00
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Pruning Ornamental Shrubs
Understand how plants grow, why pruning is necessary, and which tools to use to remove the mystery surrounding this routine horticulture practice.
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Groundcovers
Select the best ground cover for your yard. Discover what type of plants work best in your area. Special features include 92 color pictures, 43 plant descriptions, and other tips.
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Leaf Spot and Melting Out of Turfgrass -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Description and management information, plus how to submit samples for diagnosis.
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Fungal Cankers of Trees -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Cultural management techniques can help reduce the risk of canker diseases.
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Using Mulches in Managed Landscapes -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Tips on using mulches to maximize benefits and avoid pitfalls.
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Common Diseases of Conifers in Iowa
Color photos help you make the right diagnosis for nine diseases. Causal agents, typical host species, symptoms, and disease spread are discussed. Also learn proper maintenance and chemical controls to keep your evergreens healthy.
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$3.00
Tree Fruit Pollination
The production of fruit on most plants, trees, and shrubs results from pollination of the blossoms. This publication explores tree fruit pollinations including methods of pollination, blooming times, and a chart to determine which apple cultivars are suitable pollinators.
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The Forest Where Ashley Lives
In this classic story written by a former ISU Extension and Outreach forester and his daughter, a girl describes the variety of trees found in her town and how forests provide many benefits for people and animals.

To inquire about hard copies of this book, please contact Emma Hanigan with the Iowa DNR at emma.hanigan@dnr.iowa.gov.
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Iowa's Oaks -- Reiman Gardens
Learn more about Iowa’s official state tree and the twelve different species native to Iowa.
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Pine Wilt: A Fatal Disease of Exotic Pines in the Midwest -- Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Find out how this disease is caused, how it spreads, and what can be done to manage it.
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Crabapples for Midwestern Landscapes
More than 90 color photos showing 43 cultivars to match the correct tree to your specific site and personal needs. Choose from the cultivars to enjoy an avalanche of colorful, fragrant flowers each spring and a handsome, healthy tree throughout the year.
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$2.50
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Tips for Athletic Field Management on a Limited Budget
Those responsible for athletic field turf management will find 10 useful tips on how to operate more effectively and efficiently.
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Understanding Thatch in the Home Lawn
Moderate thatch formation is a normal development in lawns; however, problems can occur when the thatch layer is excessive. Learn about thatch's beneficial and detrimental aspects, causes of thatch, and related insects and diseases.
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Thatch Control in the Home Lawn
Proper balance of thatch requires a combination of management practices including preventing thatch buildup by reducing plant growth, improving microbial decomposition, and mechanical removal of thatch when necessary.
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