General Lawn Care and Landscape Maintenance

7 Simple Steps to a Better Homelawn

Purdue University

Aerating Your Lawn
A healthy root system is a must for an attractive lawn. Grass root growth is inhibited by clay and compacted soils. Oxygen in soil is vital for ..

Kansas State University

Animal Urine Damage in Turf

Purdue University

Are You a Joe Mow & Go?

Iowa State University

Bermudagrass Lawns
Bermudagrass has many desirable qualities. It is the primary turf grass in the southern U. S. The potential for water savings with bermudagrass has caused a considerable increase in its use.

Kansas State University

Buffalograss Lawns
Buffalograss is a native warm-season grass used for low maintenance lawns and other turf areas. It requires less mowing, watering and fertilizing ..

Kansas State University

Buying Grass Seed

Purchasing quality turfgrass seed for reestablishing lawns or establishing new lawns is critical to the future success of the lawn.

Michigan State University

Caring for Flooded Lawns, G6722

University of Missouri

Choosing a Lawn Care Company

University of  Minnesota

Cool Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar, G6705

University of Missouri

Crabgrass Control

Homeowners and professionals alike spend a lot of time and money trying to eliminate crabgrass from their turfgrass stands.

Michigan State University

Cultivation
Soil compaction, soil layering and excessive thatch buildup are common problems on home lawns in Michigan

Michigan State University

Dealing with Clippings
In 1994, a law banned grass clippings, tree leaves, branches and twigs from all landfills in Michigan.

Michigan State University

Don't Bag It

Purdue University

Early April lawn care tips

University of  Minnesota

Establishment and Care of Buffalograss Lawns G6730

University of Missouri

Establishment and Care of Zoysia Lawns G6706

University of Missouri

Establishing a New Lawn using Seed

Successful lawn establishment means doing the right thing at the right time. Commonly, new lawns fail to become established because of poor quality seed, improper selection of turfgrass species or varieties, poor soil conditions, improper site preparation or lack of irrigation after seeding.

Michigan State University

Establishing a New Lawn using Sod

Sodding is the quickest means of establishing a lawn. This bulletin discusses advantages and disadvantages of establishing from sod and outline the nine steps to successful establishment.

Michigan State University

Fall is the Time to Rejuvenate Your Lawn

Iowa State University

Fall yard care tips include mowing leaves into lawn

University of  Minnesota

Fall yard care tips include mowing leaves into lawn

University of  Minnesota

First lawn mowing also good time to fertilize

University of  Minnesota

Grass Clippings, Compost and Mulch: Questions and Answers, G6958

University of Missouri

Grass Recycling
Up to 25 percent of your lawn's fertilizer needs are supplied by clippings left on the lawn. Clippings do not contribute to thatch. Save time, money, ..

Kansas State University

Grasses in Shade: Establishing and Maintaining Lawns in Low Light, G6725

University of Missouri

Ground Covers for the Midwest, NCR400

University of Missouri

Groundcovers, Rock Garden Plants, and Ornamental Grasses
Groundcovers, rock gardens and ornamental grasses in the home landscape.

Kansas State University

Growing a Lawn in Shady Places

University of  Minnesota

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils, G6955

University of Missouri

Improving Lawns in the Shade

Purdue University

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system of managing pests by using a variety of control methods.

Michigan State University

Integrated Pest Management Lawn Problem Solver

NCR-192 Regional Turfgrass Project

Michigan State University

Integrated Turfgrass Management for the Northern Great Plains, EC1557
This 254-page book provides in-depth information and "how-to" guides for every stage of turfgrass establishment and maintenance. It also includes identification guides and management recommendations for major pests and diseases. It is available at local UNL Extension offices. Cost is $25. Order online.

University of Nebraska

Irrigation Practices for Homelawns

Purdue University

I've Got Moles
Seems like every lawn is being overrun with these pesky diggers.

Michigan State University

June lawn care notes from U of M Extension

University of  Minnesota

Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars for Michigan
Kentucky bluegrass is the most widely used turfgrass in Michigan. The species is persistent and attractive and has a medium to fine leaf texture and medium to dark green color when properly fertilized.

Michigan State University

Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn Calendar, G517
This NebGuide discusses the maintenance schedule Kentucky Bluegrass.

University of Nebraska

Kentucky Bluegrass Lawns
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season turf grass that spreads by underground stems called rhizomes.

Kansas State University

Lawn Care Maintenance Plans

Ohio State University

Lawn Clipping Management

University of Minnesota

Lawn Improvement Programs

Purdue University

LawnCare 101 DVD
This DVD is your quick guide to lawn renovation and lawn care from the experts at Michigan State University. DVD includes ten informative lessons on the 'A to Z' of lawn care presented in an easy to use format.

Michigan State University

Lawn Care Without Pesticides

Frank Rossi at Cornell University has published a great resource for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns without pesticides. This bulletin includes topics like establishing realistic expectations, understanding how grass grows and best management practices for maintaining a healthy turf.

Cornell University

Lawns - Repairing Flooded Lawns

University of  Minnesota

Leaf Recycling
Tree and shrub leaves contain nutrients, providing organic matter which should be returned to the soil. A light covering of fallen leaves can be ..

Kansas State University

Low Input Lawn Care

University of Minnesota

Low Maintenance Landscaping
A manual explaining Xeriscape, imitating nature's design: putting hardy, adapted plant materials in places where they grow best.

Kansas State University

Low Water Use Plants for Kansas Landscapes
List of plants adapted to all parts of Kansas though some may need protection in certain areas of the state. All require watering until ..

Kansas State University

Maintaining Lawns on Sandy Soils

Purdue University

Maintaining Waterfront Turf

Lawns adjacent to lakes, ponds, rivers or other surface water bodies should be regarded as sensitive areas.

Michigan State University

Maintenance Calendar for Indiana Lawns

Purdue University

Making and Using Compost, G6956

University of Missouri

Management of Turfgrass Pests; Weeds, Diseases, and Insects 2001

Ohio State University

Managing Lawn Waste to Preserve Water Quality

For those who would like to handle yard waste on their own property, the techniques listed in this bulletin can transform grass clippings and tree leaves into resources for lawns and gardens.

Michigan State University

Master Gardener Basic Training- Home Lawns
Lawn establishment and management in Kansas including species selection, establishment, mowing, irrigation., fertilization, weed control, thatch, ...

Kansas State University

Moles

Purdue University

Mowing
Mowing is the most basic practice for maintaining lawn turf.

Michigan State University

Mowing Your Lawn
Cool-season grasses, bluegrass, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, are mowed higher than warm-season grasses because of their erect growth habit.

Kansas State University

Mowing, Thatching, Aerifying, and Rolling Turf

Purdue University

Mulches for the Home Landscape, G1257
Inorganic and organic mulches can benefit a lawn, garden or field but must be understood before use, if gardeners and landscapers want the best results.

University of Nebraska

Ornamental Grasses for Nebraska Landscapes, G1691
This NebGuide discusses the selection and care of ornamental grasses in the landscape.

University of Nebraska

Mulches, G6960

University of Missouri

Options for Disposing of Leaves

University of Minnesota

Ornamental Grasses

Ohio State University

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

University of Minnesota

Ornamental Grasses for Minnesota

University of Minnesota

Ornamental Grasses for Minnesota

University of Minnesota

Ornamental Grasses for the Midwest, NCR461

University of Missouri

Phosphorus and Home Lawns

The contribution of phosphorus from urban landscapes has been identified as a significant input for many watersheds.

Michigan State University

Planting a Home Lawn
Planting a permanent, healthy lawn requires planning, time and work. Allow time for soil preparation.  Measure area to be planted, and convert to square feet. Plant grass at the right time.

Kansas State University

Recycling Grass Clippings
The best way to recycle grass clippings is to let them fall back to the turf. Grass clippings are beneficial to the turf, and do not cause ..

Kansas State University

Selecting a Lawn Care Company, G1617
Discusses reasons for use and criteria for selecting a lawn care company.

University of Nebraska

Shade Tolerant Grasses
Fact sheet that gives advice on maintaining a healthy lawn in the shade.

Kansas State University

Should I Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service?

Purdue University

Spring Lawn Care Tips from U of M Extension Expert

University of  Minnesota

Tall Fescue Cultivars for Michigan
Tall fescue is a resilient grass that adapts well to a wide range of growing conditions in Michigan. New tall fescue cultivars merit serious consideration for use in home lawns, grounds, parks and playgrounds.

Michigan State University

Tall Fescue Lawn Calendar, G558
This NebGuide discusses when to take care of tall fescue lawn problems and issues

University of Nebraska

Tall Fescue Lawns
Tall fescue is the most popular and most adapted turf grass for Kansas lawns. It is a cool-season grass that greens up early in spring and stays green ..

Kansas State University

Thatch Control in Lawns and Turf

University of  Minnesota

Thatch Prevention and Control , G1618
This NebGuide describes how tatch accumulation damages turfgrass sites, and gives methods for removing accumulations and preventing their reoccurence.

University of Nebraska

Thatch: A Hidden Lawn Concern
Thatch is not caused by grass clippings. It consists of: Surface roots, stems, and runners not removed by lawn mower. It is caused by: Frequent, shallow watering, excessive fertilization, etc.

Kansas State University

Thatch: Enemy of Lawns, G6708

University of Missouri

Thatch: The Accumulation in Lawns

Ohio State University

Turf in the Landscape, G1418
Turf can be a significant part of successful landscaping by reducing runoff, reducing glare and providing other benefits.

University of Nebraska

Turf Pest Control, 3B
Publication covers turf diseases & other causes of poor turf, (chemicals, chlorosis, etc.) weed control & herbicides, turf insects, equipment, and ..

Kansas State University

Turfgrass Identification: Professional Series
Seedheads are the main feature in identifying grasses, but they are not present in mowed turf, so it is necessary to learn ..

Kansas State University

Turfgrass Mowing: Professional Series
Mowing affects turf density, vigor, water consumption, weed infestation, and resistance to weather stress.

Kansas State University

Kansas State University

Turfgrass Selection: Professional Series
Turfgrasses are used for a range of purposes, including residential lawns, general grounds, sports fields, golf courses, and native areas. ...

Kansas State University

Turfgrass Species and Cultivar Selection
The first step in renovation is selecting a grass species that is well adapted to your site. Learn the charateristics of common turfgrass species suitable for Michigan.

Michigan State University

Turfgrass Species Selection

Ohio State University

Turfgrasses for the Midwest : NCER-192 Regional Turfgrass Project

NCERA-192

What to Look for in a Lawn Care Service

Ohio State University

Winterkill of Turfgrass

Michigan State University

Weed ID : Turf Weeds

Identification is the first step to proper management. This site is intended to help you learn the key identification characteristics of common and not-so-common turfgrass weeds found in Michigan and the midwest.

Michigan State University

Zoysia Grass

University of  Minnesota

Zoysiagrass for Indiana

Purdue University

Zoysiagrass Lawn Calendar, G877
The maintenance schedule for zoysiagrass.

University of Nebraska