Turf Care Under the Hot Sun – Part 1

In summer, in Nebraska, it’s hot.  So hot that caring for turf requires a full set of strategies…in fact 4 pieces or parts.  And, like McNuggets, they’re fused together for success. Part 1 – Efficient Irrigation Part 2 – Appropriate Fertilization Part 3 – Mowing Considerations Part 4 – Miscellaneous Factors   Efficient irrigation begins…

Mulch Refresh and Expansion in Mid-Summer

Mid-summer brings lots of good things to experience in the Midwest.  Picnics in the park, 4th of July celebrations, cook-outs and barbeque, sweet corn and watermelon, lighting bugs, vacations at the lake and watching your favorite baseball team.  Unfortunately a few bad ones come with the good, one of which is summer heat and wind. …

Cleaning up storm-damaged trees

Wow.  The heavy duty wind and rainstorm that blew through the Omaha metro area on Friday June 16th caused lots of damage to shade and fruit trees.  Many, many good specimens were damaged or lost altogether.  Clients have reported damage to large and small trees, decks, gutters and fences, which emphasizes the issue of “target”…

Right Plant, Right Place

By now, many garden enthusiasts are familiar with the phrase, Right Plant, Right Place (RPRP).  Yet, still many others are not.  Our Master Gardeners talk with them every day.  Whichever camp you fall into, a brief primer can be helpful.  RPRP is a guiding principle whose only goal is to achieve success with every tree,…

Top 10 Lawn Problems

When David Letterman does a 10 ten list, most people laugh.  However, if he did a top 10 list on your lawn, you probably wouldn’t think it was too funny.  You might be listening, but not laughing.  From a horticulturist’s standpoint, here is my top 10 list for common lawn problems: [these are in reverse…