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All Lawn Content

Field bindweed spreading in a patchof bare soil.

Field Bindweed Control in Yards and Gardens

Field bindweed is one of the most-serious weed problems in South Dakota. Learn some tips for identifying, managing and controlling this invasive weed in your yard and garden before it becomes an issue.

Large patch of grab grass growing on lawn.

Is Crabgrass Taking Over Your Lawn?

Each year homeowners and businesses typically find crabgrass invading their lawns. If you desire a nice lawn, you may not be happy about this. Crabgrass can be a bit tricky to control—especially after it has established itself for the season.

Small cluster of dandelions among fallen leaves on a lawn.

Fall Weed Control in Lawns

In lawns, fall is the best time to chemically control broadleaf perennial weeds. Examples of these weeds could include dandelions, Canada thistle, creeping bellflower, field bindweed and ground ivy.

A picture of a lawn showing a ring of dark green grass in the middle of the lawn due to fungi in the soil.

Fairy Rings in Lawns

Seeing greener grass in circular pattern in your lawn? This is not due to uneven fertilizer application, but rather due to a fungi feeding on decomposing matter and releasing nitrogen in the affected areas.

Young woman photographing leaf-scorched hostas in a garden.

Garden and Yard Problems Solved: How to Submit Photos and Samples to Our Experts

Garden and lawn issues can sometimes be diagnosed by simply looking at a photo. Photos give our Extension experts a place to start, and providing them with the best possible photo can help the process.

Hand spreading grass seed on lawn.

Renew Your Lawn This Fall With Overseeding

Overseeding your lawn is a smart maintenance procedure and a great way to renew your lawn after periods of drought. Fall timing gives you the best conditions for new grass to grow and thrive.

a patch of green, weedy flowers with white petals and a yellow center

Invasive Garden Plants: Is That a Weed?

While we generally consider invasive plants like crabgrass, dandelions, and purslane as weeds, just about any plant can be considered a weed when it's in the wrong location.

A large wasp on a pink flower.

Cicada Killer Wasps Are Active in South Dakota

The cicada killer wasps are active in South Dakota, which means cicadas are probably not far behind. As their name implies, cicada killer wasps use cicadas as a food source. They can present an impressive spectacle if you observe one carrying a paralyzed cicada from a tree.

Three photos: Man mowing lawn, crab grass growing on lawn, sprinkler watering lawn.

Summer Lawn Care: Mowing, Weed Control and Watering Practices

During a summer of drought, the extreme heat, lack of rainfall and invasion of pests can really take a toll on our turf. Learn some general concepts of summer lawn care and techniques to help your lawn through difficult summer months.

White silken tube with dark colored ends on a light background.

What’s Leaving These White Skins on My Lawn?

There have been many reports by homeowners of birds pulling out white, cigarette-looking tubes from their lawns. These tubes are silken tunnel linings created by the cigarette paper webworm.