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At Miller Yard Care, we're here to help you understand what snow mold is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to prevent it, drawing on the expert insights from leading universities in our region like the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, University of Iowa, and North Dakota State University.
Snow mold isn't a single culprit, but rather a general term for several types of fungi that thrive in cool, moist conditions, particularly under a blanket of snow. The two most common types we encounter in our climate are:
Gray Snow Mold (Typhula blight): This typically appears as circular patches of bleached or straw-colored turf, often matted down. You might see a grayish-white fungal growth (mycelium) at the edges of the patches, and in some cases, tiny, hard, reddish-brown or black survival structures called sclerotia. Gray snow mold usually only damages the grass blades, meaning the plant crown is often still healthy and can recover.
Pink Snow Mold (Microdochium patch): As the name suggests, this type can have a pinkish tint, especially at the edges of the affected areas. Unlike gray snow mold, pink snow mold can damage the grass crowns, potentially leading to more significant turf loss. It can also develop without snow cover, thriving in cool, wet conditions.
Both types flourish when snow falls on unfrozen ground, creating an insulated, humid environment perfect for fungal growth....
That lush, green lawn is more than just grass; it’s the backdrop for family barbecues, a playground for your kids and pets, and a point of pride for any homeowner. But when mysterious brown patches appear and the turf feels spongy underfoot, it’s easy to feel frustrated. You’ve been watering and mowing correctly, so what’s going on?
The culprit may be a silent invader hiding just beneath the surface: GRUBS.
Here at Miller Yard Care, we believe a healthy lawn starts with understanding what’s happening both above and below the soil. This guide will help you identify if you have a grub problem and explain how we can partner with you to restore the health and beauty of your lawn.
Drawing from research by experts at the University of Minnesota Extension and Iowa State University, we know that grubs are not a specific type of insect. They are the C-shaped, milky-white larvae of various beetles, most commonly Japanese beetles, May/June beetles, and chafers in our region. These larvae feast on the root systems of your grass, cutting it off from the water and nutrients it needs to survive.
Before you can solve the problem, you need to be sure you have one. Here are the key signs our professional technicians look for, and that you can spot yourself:
1. Spongy Turf: Does your lawn feel soft and spongy when you walk on it? This is often the first sign. The damage to...
When it comes to lawn care, mowing seems straightforward. But did you know that how high you set your mower blades is one of the most critical factors for a healthy, vibrant lawn? It's not just about aesthetics; it's about building resilience from the ground up.
The Golden Rule: Go Taller!
For typical residential lawns, especially here in Minnesota, we recommend maintaining a mowing height of 2.75 inches or higher. While a super-short cut might look neat initially, it's actually detrimental to your lawn's long-term health.
Why a Taller Cut is Better:
1. Natural Weed Control: Taller grass blades create more shade over the soil surface. This shading effect helps to smother out weed seeds, preventing them from getting enough sunlight to germinate and grow. It's like a natural, chemical-free weed barrier!
2. Deeper, Stronger Roots: This is perhaps the most crucial benefit. When you allow your grass to grow taller, its roots also grow deeper. Longer roots mean your lawn has a greater ability to reach water and nutrients further down in the soil. This significantly improves your lawn's ability to withstand drought conditions and absorb essential nutrients more efficiently.
3. Stress Tolerance: Especially during the harsh conditions of mid-summer (think heat and drying winds), taller grass is more resilient. Consider increasing your mowing height by an additional half inch during these stressful periods. This extra length provides more leaf ...
Achieving a vibrant, healthy lawn doesn't require constant watering; it requires smart watering. By understanding a few key principles, you can ensure your grass thrives while conserving water and enhancing its resilience.
How Much Water Does Your Lawn Really Need?
For a truly green and growing lawn, aim for about 1 inch of water per week. This can come from your irrigation, rainfall, or a combination of both. The goal is to water deeply to encourage roots to grow further down into the soil.
Timing is Everything: When to Water
The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning, typically between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. This allows the grass to absorb the water it needs while minimizing loss to evaporation and wind. Watering at this time also reduces the chance of fungal diseases that can occur if the lawn stays wet overnight.
Deep & Infrequent: The Golden Rule
Avoid light, frequent sprinklings. Instead, focus on watering deeply and less often. The frequency depends on your soil type:
Clay Soils: These soils retain water longer, so they typically need to be irrigated only once or twice a week, but with a greater volume of water to ensure deep penetration.
Sandy Soils: Water drains more quickly through sandy soils, meaning they may need watering two or three times a week, but with less volume each time.
Deep watering trains your grass to develop a strong, deep root system, making it more robust and drought-tolerant. Only...
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that poses a significant threat to ash trees. This destructive pest has already devastated ash tree populations across North America, and while it may not yet be confirmed in our immediate area, it's crucial for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their valuable trees.
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
EAB is a small, metallic-green beetle that lays its eggs on ash trees. The larvae then bore into the tree's bark, feeding on the inner tissues that transport water and nutrients. This disrupts the tree's ability to survive, eventually leading to its death.
The Threat to Our Community
While EAB hasn't been officially confirmed in our specific location, it's present in nearby regions and is expected to arrive soon. Because EAB can spread rapidly, it's essential to take preventative measures before an infestation occurs. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to save your ash trees.
Our Proactive Solution: Preventative Tree Injections
Our landscape company is now offering a specialized tree injection service that provides effective preventative protection against Emerald Ash Borer. This treatment involves injecting a safe and effective insecticide directly into the tree, which protects it for up to two years.
Benefits of Preventative Treatment:
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