by Donna
Luke
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
Question: I am a long-time home owner who has
an “ok” lawn. My church’s youth group promotes lawn aeration
as a fundraiser every year; is this really necessary?
Answer: Yes, spring core aerating is a highly recommended practice. Shallow
(one inch) holes will enhance water uptake, however deeper (2-3 inch) holes
aid in greater water absorption. An added benefit is that turf seeding may also
be done during aeration. Be cautious of using pre-emergent herbicides during
seeding, as the herbicide will kill the grass seed. Finally, spring aeration
controls thatch, a lawn condition that does not allow proper water movement
in the soil.
Question: I had an aspen tree in my yard. It had funny nodules that I found were poplar twig gall. The Master Gardener I spoke to said that aspen really prefer the mountain conditions. I cut the tree down. It is not missed, but now I have mushrooms growing around its base. What can I do?
Answer: Mushrooms like dead organic material such as
old tree roots. Fungicides may not work, however spring and fall aeration of
the lawn, and an application of a few ounces of dish washing solution in a gallon
of water might make mushroom activity less noticeable. Do not eat lawn mushrooms
as they may be poisonous. For other questions about identifying edible mushrooms
please see the Colorado State University web site http://www.ext.colostate.edu
Question: When I mow my lawn, sometimes I “nick” tree roots. Then, sure as anything, a sucker appears. Why does this happen and what can I do about it?
Answer: Trees have a different type of root system. While some plants have a substantial tap root, most trees have roots in the upper 12 – 15 inches of soil. Suckering is a tree’s answer for producing new shoots, a natural occurrence. There are products available that may help, such as "SuckerStopper"TM and glyphosate (RoundupTM). Please read the label of each product to make sure it is correct product, and that the chemical is approved for use on your plants.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
Return to Master Gardener Articles