Category: Lawn Care and Problems

Garden Pests, Lawn Care and Problems, Tree and Shrub Problems, Winter Damage and Protection

Vole Problems in Ornamental Gardens, Lawns, Orchards and Vegetable Gardens

Voles are small mouse-like rodents that can be highly destructive to lawns, ornamental gardens, vegetable gardens, orchards, forests and some field crops. They tunnel around underground creating an elaborate network of tunnels from which they use to feed on roots, tubers, and bulbs. Above ground they feed on seeds, berries, fruits, vegetables, herbs, grasses and other vegetation. In the fall they switch to eating the … Continue reading Vole Problems in Ornamental Gardens, Lawns, Orchards and Vegetable Gardens

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Lawn Care and Problems

Creeping Red Fescue For Shady Turf Areas

Growing turf grass in shady areas under and around large trees is certainly challenging. Especially trees like Maples that root close to the surface and drink up a lot of water all season long. A good turf choice in these areas is Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra). Creeping Red Fescue prefers to dry out a bit between watering, requires less fertilizer, has a high tolerance … Continue reading Creeping Red Fescue For Shady Turf Areas

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Garden Pests, Lawn Care and Problems

Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) are a highly destructive and invasive pest, both in the adult and larva stages. The larvae are white grubs that feed on the roots of mainly grasses. While the adults feed on the leaves of over 300 types of plants, skeletonizing them. The adults are able to fly up to 8 km (5 miles) with a good wind, in search of … Continue reading Japanese Beetles

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Garden Pests, Lawn Care and Problems

Crane Flies and Leather Jackets Turf Damage and Control

There are hundreds of large crane fly species in North America, belonging to the Tipulidae family. They are sometimes referred to as daddy-long-legs, mosquito hawks or water spiders. They have a variety of habitats, from moist woodlands to grassy or aquatic areas, depending on the species. Most are not considered pests of home turf, golf courses, gardens, crops or pastures. There are however two problematic species … Continue reading Crane Flies and Leather Jackets Turf Damage and Control

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Annuals and Perennials, Lawn Care and Problems, Tree and Shrub Problems

Lawns and Gardens- Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat And Drought

In my region of Southern Ontario we are experiencing above average rainfall this year and the lawns and vegetation are lush and green. For many other provinces and states however they are experiencing above average temperatures with little rainfall. Keeping lawns and gardens thriving during these times can be challenging. Following are a few tips to help your lawns and gardens survive the summer heat … Continue reading Lawns and Gardens- Tips For Surviving The Summer Heat And Drought

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Lawn Care and Problems, Soil and Fertilizers, Tree and Shrub Problems, Winter Damage and Protection

Winter Garden Care – Protecting Your Plants From Salt Damage

Rock salt or Sodium Chloride (Na Cl) is commonly used to deice roads and walkways. As a deicer it is fast, easy to use, effective and affordable. On the downside though, its corrosive nature is damaging to vehicles, roads and pathways. This same salt can also be very damaging to plant material. There are 3 ways in which salt can damage your plant material: What … Continue reading Winter Garden Care – Protecting Your Plants From Salt Damage

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