Zig-zag runways in turf, round burrow openings, and clipped plants are the main signs of voles in your yard.
Author: Sinziana Spiridon
Sinziana Spiridon is an outdoorsy blog writer with a green thumb and a passion for organic gardening. When not writing about weeds, pests, soil, and growing plants, she's tending to her veggie garden and the lovely turf strip in her front yard.
Voles vs. Moles: How to Tell the Difference
Voles look like mice, make zig-zag runways, and eat plants. Moles have pink snouts and broad paws, eat insects, and build molehills.
What is Snow Mold?
Snow molds are cold-weather diseases caused by fungi in humid, snow-covered lawns that have not been properly winterized.
How to Prevent Snow Mold
To prevent snow mold, improve soil drainage, go easy on the nitrogen, remove fallen leaves, mow the lawn, and disperse snow piles.
What is Crown Hydration?
Crown hydration happens when a plant’s crown takes up excess water during thawing, risking freeze damage during the next cold spell.
What is Winter Desiccation in Your Lawn?
Winter desiccation happens when turfgrass loses more than half its moisture due to dry winds or sunny days with frozen soil.
Signs of Armyworm Damage
Specific signs of armyworm damage include transparent grass blades, chewed and torn leaves, and well-defined brown spots.
How to Prevent an Armyworm Infestation
To prevent armyworm infestations, avoid overwatering, remove weeds and debris, and use preventive insecticides.
How to Tell You Have Compacted Soil
Suspect soil compaction if you notice bare spots, weeds, fungal diseases, puddles, and runoff. Test it with a screwdriver.
Mulching vs. Bagging Grass Clippings
Mulching grass clippings improves soil quality, feeds the grass, and reduces landfill waste, making it the best option for regular lawn maintenance. Bagging grass clippings is an occasional intervention ideal for solving lawn problems (e.g., tall grass, fungal diseases, or fall clean-up).