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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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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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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Question: We have crows tearing up our lawn in one part of the yard. Some websites have suggested getting “beneficial nematodes” to combat this. We have organic raised beds in the area and are careful not to taint them. Would the nematodes be helpful and safe? Are the crows doing us a favor by getting […]
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Question: What is the latest time in the summer that one should plant grass seed? Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor Our factsheet on establishing home lawns suggests “spring (May) or late summer (August 15 to September 15)” is the best time. If you live in Aroostook County, I would suggest early September as a last date […]
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Question: What is a responsible way to get rid of invasive ferns in your lawn? Answer: Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional I suspect the reason you have ferns and Canada-mayflower, Maianthemum canadense (which is actually native to Maine and therefore beneficial for pollinators and wildlife!) encroaching on your lawn is a combination of things; the […]
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Question: Description of the area: A gradual slope down to the lake the area is barren now with hard soil and plenty of tree roots. It’s shaded because there’s some pine and oak trees on this space. We are looking for a walkable ground cover. The area needs to be accessible from the basement and […]
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Question: We are working with a landscaper to grade our yard and address the overall health of the lawn. We haven’t done anything to the lawn since we moved in six years ago and it has grown many mossy spots. The landscaper is recommending: lime, grass seeding and grub treatment. I try to be very […]
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Question: I have an odd question that may not fall under your wheelhouse. I live in Atkinson right by the Center. My old deck was taken down so… I. Have. Dirt. The digging hound is elated but is there a grass seed I can toss out with some hope for growth at this point? Answer: […]
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Question: I’m getting wild plantain infestation after amending and reseeding my 1,500-square-foot lawn this past spring. I’d like to topdress with compost and new grass seed at the end of this season. Can you recommend the “safest” selective herbicide to control this? Or would you recommend I start new with “safest” broad spectrum herbicide and […]
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