Searching for "lawn"

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

Pesticides are toxic to target pests, but can also cause potential harm to the applicator or the environment. This publication discusses how to understand a pesticide label, its toxicity and whether it could be toxic to bees. It also contains table that provide information on commonly used insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following proper procedures and planting high quality seed are the keys to successfully establishing a lawn. More details here.

Private Water Systems Handbook will help you develop and maintain a safe, adequate, and dependable water system to meet your needs. It considers both domestic and farm use. The recommendations in this handbook is considered good management practices in most areas.

Discussions include water reducing modern appliances and energy-saving equipment. Maintenance of a quality water system is essential and is discussed in detail. Wells are the most common source of water, cisterns, springs, and ponds are good choices for providing water for livestock, fire protection, and lawn watering.

Contents

• Planning for Water Use
• Wells
• Catchments, Cisterns, Ponds, and Springs
• Pumps
• Maintaining Pressure in a Private Water System
• Water Distribution
• Water Quality and Testing
• Water Treatment and Protection
• Water Systems Maintenance Calendar
• Appendix and Glossary

Learn to properly maintain your garden all year round. Includes information on what steps to take with your lawn, fruits, trees and shrubs, flowers, herbs, houseplants, and/or vegetables in the early and late part of each season.

Topics include:

• Be Safe: Stay Healthy After Disaster
• Surviving and Recovering from a Power Outage
• Restoring Storm-damaged Buildings
• Salvaging Water-damaged Belongings
• Lawn and Garden Losses
• Financial Recovery and Risk Management.

This 32-page resource was created by LSU AgCenter and adapted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

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.

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.