Lawns

How should I reseed the bare spots in my lawn?

Question: I have tried to reseed the bare spots in my lawn with little success. I looked online at winter seeding a lawn (Dec.-Feb.) and it shows a germination rate of up to 75% in the spring. Is this something that would work in our zone? If so, what seed mix/manufacturer would you recommend? Answer: […]

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What are recommendations for low maintenance, ecologically sound replacements for lawns?

Question: What does recent research recommend as alternative, low-maintenance, ecologically sound replacements for lawns. Is there recommended ground covers for shady areas or extra dry areas that can be planted to reduce lawn area? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Projects Assistant Some common groundcover alternatives to turfgrass include creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), creeping phlox (Phlox […]

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Is there a lawn weed killer that would be safe for the clover growing in my grass?

Question: I wanted to get a lawn weed killer that would be safe for the clover growing in my grass…any recommendations?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant  Unfortunately, there aren’t great chemical options for weed control in turfgrass that will leave clover unaffected. Most lawn pesticides are targeted at broad-leaved plants, while leaving grasses unaffected. […]

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What is a native plant that can be used to replace lawn turfgrass?

Question: We’re looking to replace our lawn grass with a low-growing, low-maintenance native plant. The area is about a quarter of an acre, in full sun.  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant  Common groundcover alternatives to turfgrass include creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis), creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera), bearberry (Arctastaphyllos uva-ursi), and Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens), […]

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Is “No-Mow May” beneficial?

Question: I heard that “No-mow May” is more harmful than reducing the amount of mowing, or “Low-mow May”, which would increase the number of pollinator plants in the lawn.  Which is correct?  Answer: Lynne Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional  The answer to your questions of no-mow vs low-mow May is that “It depends.”. The purpose […]

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How do you get rid of moss that is taking over the lawn?

Question: Sphagnum moss is taking over our lawn, especially in shady areas. I have tried changing the soil pH with wood ashes and lime, but no success thus far. Is there a better way without laying down poisons?  Answer: Jonathan Foster, Special Project Assistant Moss in the lawn can be very frustrating, and is almost […]

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Is white clover suitable for lawns?

Question: Please confirm or update what I have heard about white clover: It is more drought tolerant than regular lawns (fescue mix for example)? Do bees like it? Will dog urine not kill white clover unlike a regular lawn that leaves dead patches? How tall does it grow? How frequent do you have to mow? […]

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What are some low maintenance groundcovers to replace a turf lawn?

Question: In front of my home on a city street, there is a smallish patch of lawn facing south and east that I would like to get rid of. Can you recommend a few low-maintenance, easily spreading groundcovers and flowering perennials? What is the easiest way (and the best time) to remove the grass? I […]

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