Grub Control
Grubworms are the larval form of various beetles, the Masked Chaffer being the most damaging in Kansas. When the grubs are at their largest in late summer they can do considerable damage to lawns by eating the roots of the…
Brown Patch
Fescue lawns occasionally get a fungal infection called Brown Patch. It occurs when nighttime temperatures are above 65 degrees, and there is high humidity. Symptoms include browning patches or a thinning lawn. Blades of grass around the infected areas will…
Bagworm Control
Bagworms are one of the most damaging pests to evergreens in Kansas. Bagworms are easily recognized by the bags they sew together from needles or leaves off of their host plant. In large numbers, they can defoliate and kill juniper,…
Grasshopper Control
Grasshoppers are a major pest on a variety of plants. They will eat the new growth of grass and also love sweet potato vines, dracaena, and almost every other garden plant. There are many different species of grasshoppers. They lay…
Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming
Hydrangeas may not bloom for a variety of reasons. Gardeners are often disappointed when a bush that bloomed well in a previous year doesn't bloom at all the next year. While hydrangeas prefer afternoon shade during our hot summers, if…
Why Aren’t My Annuals Blooming
Annuals may not bloom for a variety of reasons. If your petunias or geraniums suddenly quit blooming, the first thing to check for is budworms. These small green caterpillars that will eat the blooms before the buds even open. Million bells…
Grassy Weeds in Lawns
Grassy weeds in the lawn are notoriously hard to control. Since our turf grasses are grasses themselves, chemical controls are limited. A full, healthy lawn is always the first defense against weeds. Chemical control methods depend on whether the weed…
Pine Tip Moth
The larva of pine tip moths bore into the tip of the new candles on pines (mostly scotch and mugo pines). If you see brown tips, twist them and see if there is a hollow tunnel with a small orange…
Weeds In Landscape Beds
Weeds are nearly inevitable in flowerbeds. Luckily there are multiple ways to prevent and control the problem so that your flowers can grow without competition. The first line of defense is to make sure the area is completely clean of…