Homeowner Resources
Latest Articles for Homeowners
Lawn Diseases 2016
The summer of 2016 has been quite favorable for the development of an assortment of infectious diseases on residential turf. The primary driver of all of this disease activity is the weather. In the lower Midwest, the combination of elevated temperature and ample precipitation since the beginning August of has spawned outbreaks of brown patch, […]
Common Purslane
Purslane Biology: Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a summer annual broadleaf weed (Fig. 1) that is commonly found in low maintenance turf swards (Fig. 2), turf seeded in summer (Fig. 3), next to sidewalks and driveways, and in mulched beds and gardens (Fig. 4). Purslane is a succulent plant with a prostrate growth habit, […]
Postemergence Crabgrass Control
As crabgrass grows larger and larger this spring into summer, you’ll need to know just how big it is before selecting the right product for postemergence control. Read my recent article to turf professionals at Turf Republic: Just How Big is Your Crabgrass? Â Â Â For homeowners, look for products that contain quinclorac such […]
Quackgrass
Quackgrass   Biology: Quackgrass ( Elymus repens) is a cool-season perennial that vigorously spreads by rhizomes. It is a sod-forming grass that can crowd out desirable grasses and even other weeds. Quackgrass has been shown to be allelopathic, which means it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. Large, nearly pure patches of […]
Rain, Rain Go Away?
There are a lot of wet areas out there right now as pockets of Indiana have received more than double their monthly expected rainfall. Rain is a good thing but as we know it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Saturated soils reduce turf health and cause issues related to mowing […]
Is it Safe to Aerify after Applying a Preemergence Herbicide?
It is not uncommon for me to receive questions regarding whether it is OK to aerify an area when you’ve already applied a preemergence herbicide to control crabgrass. Will aerifying break the herbicide barrier and reduce my crabgrass control? The answer to this and more can be found here in a recent post I wrote […]
How to Keep Turf Areas Around Sidewalks From Failing
Last year I posted a turf tip on why it is so difficult to manage turf around sidewalks and driveways. I encourage you to read that post (Weed Management Next to Sidewalks and Driveways) as it provides recommendations for weed control, etc. in these areas as well as how to prevent weeds and encourage healthier […]
Common Questions About Crabgrass Germination and Preemergence Herbicides Answered
This time of year many have questions about crabgrass germination and control. Below are several previous Purdue turf tips that answer the most commonly asked questions about crabgrass control. When will crabgrass germinate? When should I apply my preemergence herbicide (crabgrass preventer)? Which preemergence herbicide should I use? – Professionals How to Select a Crabgrass […]
How to Select a Crabgrass Preventer from the Store – Homeowners
Crabgrass is a summer annual weed that germinates in lawns each spring (click here for crabgrass identification information). Preemergence herbicides prevent emergence of crabgrass plants from the soil. These products must be applied prior to crabgrass germination which could occur as early as April 1 in southern Indiana and three or more weeks later in […]
This Week Felt Too Much Like 2014!
This cold weather reminded me of the cold weather we experienced last winter. While it is too early to tell what effect the weather might have had on the turf, it could have damaged some warm-season turf areas in north central Indiana (like our bermudagrass and zoysiagrass areas at the Daniel Turf Research Center) where […]