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…Read more about Rain, Rain Go Away?[Read More]
On Tuesday, July 14, 2015 the Purdue Turf Program and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation will host the Turf and Landscape Field Day. The Turf and Landscape Field Day is Indiana’s largest green industry field day. This will be the third year with landscape research tours added. Specialists from four different departments in the College…Read more about Turf and Landscape Field Day on July 14, 2015[Read More]
Some are suffering through another year of bermudagrass winterkill in Indiana. Much different than last year where winterkill was widespread and there were many different causes (too cold, too wet, too shaded, etc.), the primary cause for winterkill in 2014-2015 in Indiana appears to be confined to immature bermudagrass. Those that were not able to…Read more about Bermudagrass Winterkill Again?[Read More]
Biology: Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), is a clump-forming, or bunch-type, cool-season grassy weed found throughout the Midwestern United States. It is typically used as a type of grazing or forage grass in pastures but it can be a weed in turf. It’s bunch-type growth pattern, light blue-greenish color, ability to tolerate partial shade, and rapid…Read more about Orchardgrass[Read More]
The 2015 Rounds 4 Research auction is now open. The auction will run from June 8 to June 21 with proceeds going to support turf research at Purdue and in Indiana through the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, advocacy and education programs for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. This…Read more about Rounds 4 Research: Auction is Open! Support the Purdue Turf Program[Read More]
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…Read more about Is it Safe to Aerify after Applying a Preemergence Herbicide?[Read More]
Although reports of spring white grub damage have been relatively uncommon in Indiana in recent years, there have been a growing number of cases in the northeastern part of the state. The European chafer Rhizotrogus majalis Razoumowsky is apparently at the root of several reports of large scale and severe damage to turfgrass this spring….Read more about European Chafer Causing Serious Damage in Northeastern Indiana[Read More]
We recently discovered that the hunting billbug is capable of successfully overwintering in the larval stage as far north as West Lafayette Indiana. This insect is mainly a pest of warm-season turfgrasses such as Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass and has become a perennial problem in parts of the state where these grasses are cultured. Although we’ve…Read more about Hunting Billbug Larvae Overwintering in Indiana[Read More]
Smooth Crabgrass Biology: Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum), is a summer annual grassy weed that is found throughout the Midwestern United states. Closely related to large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris), these three species are often considered to be the most problematic weeds in lawns due to their ability to survive extremely…Read more about Smooth Crabgrass[Read More]
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…Read more about How to Keep Turf Areas Around Sidewalks From Failing[Read More]
Tall Fescue Biology: Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is perennial grass that can be both desirable as a lawn species when using improved cultivars or undesirable when forage-type (wide-bladed) tall fescue plants a contaminant other primary species in a lawn. For all of you nerds out there like me, you might be interested in know that…Read more about Tall Fescue[Read More]
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…Read more about Common Questions About Crabgrass Germination and Preemergence Herbicides Answered[Read More]
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…Read more about How to Select a Crabgrass Preventer from the Store – Homeowners[Read More]
We are happy to announce two new tools give the latest information about two hot topics: emerald ash borer and pollinator safety. New Neonicotinoid Pollinator Website available for the Green Industry. Doug Richmond and I have developed a mobile friendly website to help you answer questions you may have about how the use of neonicotinoid…Read more about New Resources Available for Emerald Ash Borer and Pollinator Safety[Read More]
One of our Purdue turf graduates, Lee Pilz died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 21, 2015 in Indianapolis at the age of 39. He graduated from Purdue University in 1998 with a degree in turf science and was the assistant golf course superintendent at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, Leesburg, IN. Read Lee’s full obituary here. The…Read more about Lee Pilz Memorial Fund[Read More]
Dandelion Biology: Dandelion (Taraxacum offinianale), is a broadleaf perennial weed that can be found in lawns, nursery crops, and landscapes throughout the United States. It has the ability to survive many different soil types, environmental conditions, and management practices; thus, it is a commonly found weed in lawns throughout the northern half of…Read more about Dandelion[Read More]
Now that the snow has melted, you might be seeing some areas damaged from snow plows or other winter vehicle traffic that need repair. Seed planted now (late March) will begin to germinate in early to mid-April. The earlier in the year that you seed, the more time the turf will have for…Read more about Seed Early in the Spring for Better Success[Read More]
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…Read more about This Week Felt Too Much Like 2014![Read More]
The revised edition of Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals is now available. The 96 page publication includes content on: Turfgrass Culture Weed Types Weed Life Cycles Developing a Weed Control Program Indicator Weeds Herbicide Information (use, nomenclature, classification, mode of action, movement, resistance, etc.) Control of Tough Weeds Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About…Read more about 2015 Turf Weed Control for Professionals, Now Available[Read More]
As this year’s golf season came to a close, the highly anticipated renovation of Purdue’s 80 year-old Ackerman Hills golf course began. In addition to upgrading the course for collegiate-level play, the refurbishment also offers a unique opportunity for students in Purdue’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture program to gain valuable, hands-on, turf management experience. Source:…Read more about Purdue Ackerman-Allen Hills Course Renovation Update[Read More]
