Basic Watering Techniques
There are numerous options for applying water to plants, each with its own specific use. A sprinkling can is most valuable as a decorative item around the house. However, it is also useful in the garden for gently watering young plants when you ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Proper Fertilization of Home Lawns
Proper fertilization leads to healthy lawns and reduces the chance of fertilizers reaching our groundwater. Research has shown a properly fertilized lawn actually reduces the amount of nitrate in the groundwater because the extensive root system ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Avoiding Exposed Roots
Cracked and raised pavement or bumps in the lawn caused by roots can be an annoying and sometimes hazardous elements in the urban landscape. Surface roots from trees can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most frequent cause is the ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Maintaining Lawns
The first step toward having a beautiful, sustainable lawn is to select a turfgrass variety adapted for your area. The next step is proper establishment. A quality turfgrass variety properly established is easier to maintain and enjoy. Important ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Fertilizing Lawns
Fertilizers are used to improve or maintain turfgrass quality. A well-planned and environmentally sound turfgrass fertilization program will take into account native soil fertility, nutrient source characteristics, desired turfgrass quality or ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Indicator Plants in the Lawn
Using indicator plants to "read" the environment is a common practice, whether or not we recognize we are doing it. Probably the most common use of an indicator plant is with "moss grows on the north side of a tree" as this shaded [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Thatch - Is It A Problem for Lawns?
Thatch is more than just an accumulation of grass clippings at the soil surface. Thatch is an intermingled organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems, and roots that lies between the soil surface and the zone of green vegetation. Its ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Producing Quality Turfgrass in Shaded Areas
Many home lawns have heavily shaded areas where it is not easy to establish or maintain quality turfgrass. The competition for light, nutrients and water creates stresses that weaken turfgrass plants and reduce their growth potential. The fact ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Selecting Professional Lawn Services
Your first decision when selecting a lawn care company is whether you want lawn care or lawn maintenance. For general maintenance such as mowing and trimming, a neighborhood teenager may be the cheapest solution, and with a little initial ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Selecting Turfgrass
A quality lawn results from using the right grass species and/or variety, proper planting and establishment, and sound management. Planting the right turfgrass for your site reduces the need for pesticides. The most important step for the ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Turf Management in Dry Times
Author: David R. Chalmers, Turfgrass Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech Water comprises 75 to 85% of the weight of a healthy turfgrass plant. It is essential for turf seed germination, tissue formation, transpirational cooling, food ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Should I Sod?
Author: John R. Hall III, Extension Agronomist, Virginia Tech Successful establishment of quality turfgrass can be difficult in Virginia. The extremes in temperature and moisture availability create severe stresses on both cool- and warm-season ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
