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How to Manage Moss in the Lawn and Garden

Mosses are common in many lawns, especially during wet years. Mosses are small, thread-like plants that form green mats on the soil surface. Mosses are adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Mosses can be found in moist and dry sites, sun or shade, and in acidic or alkaline soils.

Control of mosses is discussed below.

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Will applying insecticides to kill grubs help control moles?

Answer: 

One of our biggest frustrations with moles is the perennial misinformation that an insecticide application to kill grubs will solve the mole problem.  This is the “lie that will not die.”  Forty years ago, it might have been true that an insecticide application would discourage moles because back then, the insecticide ingredients being used were highly toxic to people, pets, and wildlife, but they were especially toxic to the “Mole Main Meal” – earthworms.

All pesticides that were highly toxic to earthworms were discontinued or banned long ago.  Insecticides available today do not kill earthworms; therefore, the white grub treatment does NOT remove the mole food source

What Do Warm Winter Temperatures Do to Insect Populations?

News Article

A common question we have been receiving in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) is if the warmer winter temperatures we have been experiencing in Iowa will result in increased insect and arthropod abundance this summer. Will there be more ticks? What about other insects like mosquitoes and boxelder bugs? Well, the short answer is it depends and remains to be seen for many. In addition, more than just temperature will have an impact on insect populations. Things like precipitation can also be a huge factor.

It's only February, but my garlic is coming up. What should I do?

Answer: 

While not a regular occurrence, it is not unusual for the foliage of fall-planted bulbs like garlic to emerge a bit early during a mid-winter warm-up. While in Iowa garlic normally begins to emerge from the ground in mid-March to early April, mild winter weather can encourage premature growth. 

While the premature emergence of garlic foliage is undesirable, the danger is not as great as it may seem.  The foliage of garlic can tolerate cold temperatures (down into the 20s °F).  Often, typical winter weather (cold temperatures and snow) returns, delaying further growth.  A blanket of snow is especially helpful.  The snow discourages additional growth and also protects the foliage from extreme cold.

Tobacco Budworm

Encyclopedia Article

Tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) also attacks and feeds on a wide variety of garden flowers, especially geraniums. The caterpillars feed on foliage and flower buds of geranium, reducing plant vigor and blooms, respectively. 

Snow Mold

Encyclopedia Article
Gray snow mold on a lawn. Photo by Mark Carlton.

Extended snow cover on ground that is not completely frozen is conducive to turf diseases called snow molds. Two snow mold diseases, gray snow mold and pink snow mold, occur in Iowa and typically appear at this time of year. Gray snow mold is caused by two species of the fungus Typhula, while pink snow mold is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale.

How do I control tall fescue in my lawn?

Answer: 

Tall fescue is a cool-season perennial grass occasionally present in Iowa lawns.  Because it has good drought, heat, and foot-traffic tolerance, the narrow-leaf varieties (sometimes called turf-type) can be a welcome addition to the traditional Iowa cool-season lawn comprised primarily of Kentucky bluegrass.  However, common tall fescue (also called forage type) has a wide leaf blade that does not blend well with other turfgrasses.  Its clump-forming nature and coarse texture can make it an unattractive addition to the lawn for some gardeners.  

tall fescue in the lawn
Common or forage-type tall fescue has a coarser texture than other grasses in the lawn, making it stand out and unattractive to some gardeners.  

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