Lawn and Garden Resources

We know how difficult it can be to find research-based information you can trust. That's why we've gathered the most sought after resources in one place for your use!

How do I find good landscape and garden advice?

• Be wary of ineffective products being sold online.

  The internet is vast and has many products that are ineffective. For example: 

  • Soloar powered sonic pulses to remove mice and moles from your yard.
  • Pest block repellants that promise to repel all types of pests.
• Some suggested practices offered online are outdated.

  There are also outdated practices online such as:

  • Tree wound sealers.
  • Prolonged staking of trees (should only be staked for 1 year). 
  • Non Chemical Weed Killers
    • The plant will look dead but grocery store vinegar will only kill the top part of the plant.
    • Salt and dish soap may harm other plants and soil microbes. 
• Good First Steps

  When starting your landscape and garden care journey, it is a good start to keep the following in mind. 

  • Plant selection - be intentional and research the plants you intend to use.
  • Garden Hygiene/Sanitation - keep your garden space as clean as you can 
  • Remove pests by hand instead of using chemicals
  • Natural Controls - be mindful of natures pesticide that come in the form of beneficial insects
  • Waiting it our / Tolerance for Imperfection - some issues will go away with time or some may not be a problem at all

   

Plant Problems

• Common Plant Problems in Kansas
• KSRE Horticulture How-to Videos
• Horticulture Information Center

Pests

Garden Pests

• Common Garden Pests in Kansas
• Gardening Calendar
• Setting A Mole Trap
• Ticks in Kansas
• Japanese Beetle

Household Pests and Insect Information

• Household Pests

Tree and Shrub

Many tree and shrub issues can be avoided! Choose the right tree or shrub after assessing your site, use proper planting methods and correctly water.

• Selecting and Planting a Tree (PDF)
• Preferred Trees for NE Kansas (PDF)
• Conifer Trees for Kansas (PDF)
• Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree Order
• Deciduous Shrubs for Kansas (PDF)
• Evergreen Shrubs for Kansas
• How to Plant a Tree (Web Page)
• Watering Newly Planted Young Trees and Shrubs (PDF)
• Watering Established Trees and Shrubs (PDF)
• Emerald Ash Borer

Navigating Tree and Shrub Problems

• Common Tree and Shrub Pests in Kansas
• Tree and Shrub Problems in Kansas
• 2025 KAA Certified Commercial Arborists

Interactive Tree Guides

• Iowa State Extension (Web page)
• Arbor Day Foundation (Web page)
• Virginia Tech Dendrology (Web page)

Lawn

Most lawn issues are best dealt with by having a thick, healthy lawn. However, that could be difficult to achieve. We have research-based resources that can help.

• Troubleshooting Kansas Lawn Problems (Web Page)
• Lawn and Turf Publications
• Tall Fescue Lawns (PDF)
• Weed Control in Home Lawns (PDF)
• Broadleaf Weed ID and Control (Web page)

Horticulture Organizations and Other Resources

• Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities
• KSU Turf
• Kansas Forest Service
• Monarch Watch
• Kaw Valley Farm Tour
• Growing Lawrence
• Kansas Arborists Association
• eXtension
  
• K-State Research and Extension Center-Olathe
• City of Lawrence Licensed Tree Trimmers List

Can't find a research-based resource or publication you can use above? Visit the K-State Research and Extension Bookstore for research based publications on all aspects of of lawn and garden management.