Lawn Care

In pursuing an ideal lawn, homeowners have a potent assortment of pesticides and fertilizers from which to choose. Despite best efforts, sometimes a healthy landscape has a need for pest control or fertilizer. Fertilizers and pesticides can be useful tools in maintaining the health and vigor of lawns and landscapes, while protecting plants from harmful pests. A healthy landscape prevents sediment runoff and nutrient leaching, while releasing large amounts of oxygen into the air. However, the improper use of fertilizers and pesticides can seriously impact our water resources, along with plant and animal life.

• Lawn Care Tips
  MSU Extension site on basic lawn care maintenance.
• Grasses for Lawns in Michigan 
  MSU Horticulture site providing tips for lawn care.
• Seeding a Lawn                
  Purdue Extension & University of Illinois Extension page on preparation and seeding a lawn. 
• Establishing a Lawn with Sod                         
  Purdue Extension page on sodding a lawn and site prepartation.
• Turf Weeds                        
  MSU site providing information on weed identification.
• Managing Crabgrass                     
  MSU Turf Science page on managing crabgrass.
• Ground Ivy Management            
  MSU site on control strategies for ground ivy (Creeping Charlie).
• Fertilizing the Home Lawn            
  MSU site on protecting water quality and use of fertilizers for turf care.
• Maintaining Waterfront Turf to Protect Water Quality       
  Protecting water from nutrients and pesticides while maintaining a healthy lawn.
• Phosphorus and Lawns    
  MSU Turf Science Page describing the concerns over misuse of phosphorus fertilizers in turf care.
• Managing Grass Clippings             
  MSU site detailing the benefits of leaving grass clippings in the turf.
• Mulching Leaves into Turf             
  MSU Extension site on the benefits of mulching leaves into the turf.
• Grub Control in the Home Lawn  
  MSU Turf Science site on specific strategies for managing grubs at different times of the year.
• Timely Turf Care Strategies for Home and Commercial Turf
  MSU Landscape Alert - a seasonal publication providing best management strategies.
• Rethinking Lawn Care
  Alternative approaches to traditional lawns.
• Clean Sweep Program
  Provides FREE pesticide disposal for businesses and residents.

For more information, please contact the MSU Extension Master Gardener Hotline at (734) 997-1819.