August 30, 2019
Control of Ground Ivy in Lawns
Ground ivy or “creeping Charlie” (Glechoma hederacea) is a common weed in many lawns. Ground ivy is a low-growing, creeping, invasive perennial. It spreads by seeds and aboveground stems (stolons) which root at their nodes. The leaves of ground ivy are round or kidney-shaped with scalloped margins. Stems are four-sided. Flowers are small, bluish purple, and funnel-shaped. Ground ivy thrives in damp, shady areas, but also grows well in sunny locations. A member of the mint family, ground ivy produces a minty odor when cut or crushed.
Fall 2019 Certified Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Programs
Here are the Certified Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Programs for Fall 2019.
Iowa Turfgrass Field and Demo Day Sept. 11
Turfgrass managers and students will get an update on current issues and new technology during the Iowa Turfgrass Field and Demo Day Sept. 11. The annual event is a cooperative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Turfgrass Institute, and provides participants hands-on learning and engagement with some of the biggest issues facing their industry.
Yard and Garden: Oak Tree Abnormalities
Common abnormalities that occur in Iowa oak trees include clusters of dead leaves, leaf and stem galls and nutrient deficiency. See the Iowa State University Yard and Garden news release for August 30, 2019 for details.
Yard and Garden: Thatch and Fall Removal
Thatch can be problematic and beneficial to lawns. Thatch supplies necessary food sources for microbes and organic matter. However, excessive thatch can harbor diseases and insects.
More Abnormalities on Oaks
See Richard Jauron’s Yard & Garden news release (above) for a description of Botryosphaeria twig canker, oak apples and nutrient deficiency on oak trees.