Weed ID: Turf Weeds

Learn key identification characteristics of common and not-so-common turfgrass weeds found in Michigan and the midwest.

Disease ID: Turf Diseases

The MSU Department of Plant Pathology has developed a great web site for identification of turf diseases as well as detailed information and photos of 22 turf diseases.

Japanese Beetle

Japanese beetle larvae can cause serious damage to golf course fairways and occasionally to home lawns. It normally is not a problem of non-irrigated turf.

Grub Watch: What golf course superintendents should look for this fall.

In the spring, golf course turf may suffer from the fall feeding damage from two white grubs: the European chafer and the Japanese beetle. In general, the Japanese beetle is more common in irrigated turf and the European chafer in dry rough, but frequent rain in July and early August can make the rough look pretty good to female Japanese beetles when they are laying eggs.

European Chafer

The European chafer may be the most serious grub pest of home lawns and low-maintenance turf.

Purchasing Quality Turfgrass Seed: Read the Label

Purchasing quality turfgrass seed for reestablishing lawns or establishing new lawns is critical to the future success of the lawn. Several key words often seen on bags of lawn seed are common indicators of what turfgrass species the bag contains.

Winterkill of Turfgrass

“Winterkill” is a general term that is used to define turf loss during the winter. Winterkill can be caused by a combination of factors including crown hydration, desiccation, low temperatures, ice sheets and snow mold.

Flooding of Turf

Several factors determine turf survival under water: turfgrass species, submersion duration, submersion depth, water temperature and light intensity.

Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars for Michigan

Kentucky bluegrass is the most widely used turfgrass in Michigan. It is used in home lawns, institutional grounds, parks and athletic fields. The species is persistent and attractive and has a medium to fine leaf texture and medium to dark green color when properly fertilized.

GDDTracker 4.0

The MSU GDDTracker network monitors weather data from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. The database updates each evening with the previous days data and a new five day forecast. GDDTracker includes tools for weed emergence, insect activiy, and application timing for annual bluegrass seedhead suppression.

Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP) represents a collaborative project between governmental agencies, the turfgrass industry, Michigan State University and environmental advocacy groups.

Aerification and Annual Bluegrass

“When should I aerify to limit the establishment of new annual bluegrass plants?”

Phosphorus Restrictions Resources

Legislation restricting phosphorus use on turfgrass in Michigan became effective Jan. 1, 2012.

  • MSU Soil Testing Lab Recommendations for Phosphorus Applications to Turfgrass   • Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Excerpt), Act 451 of 1994, Part 85 Fertilizers: Sections pertaining to phosphorus restrictions highlighted.   • New Legislation Restricts Phosphorus Fertilizer Application on Turf, article by April Hunt, MDARD   • Phosphorus Restrictions FAQ's   • Use Phosphorus Free Fertilizer

Home Lawn Grub Control Products 2012

Terry Davis and Dr. David Smitley provide their annual update on grub control products.