By Gary Deters
Although the State Fair is now a couple of months behind us, I wanted to reflect on the event and share some of the most frequently asked questions we received this year along with some quick notes and links. According to the Minnesota State Fair website the fair welcomed 1,940,869 visitors in 2025. The weather was perfect with no extreme heat or any rain, which made it a comfortable experience and a great opportunity to connect with Minnesotans about their lawns. The exhibit inside the Agriculture Horticulture Building (Figure 1) was set up to display the common grasses used for Minnesota lawns, provide helpful handouts and links, and assist in identifying potential lawn issues. For the entirety of the fair we provided a UMN turfgrass science staff member to help homeowners with their questions.
In cooperation with the fairgrounds management, we also had demonstration plots outside the building to help show Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, tall fescue, and bee lawns in a real lawn setting (Figure 2). These plots are best viewed during the growing season, but they remain accessible year-round for those interested in observing seasonal changes.
Every year we get a wide variety of questions, since every yard is unique and each homeowner has their own situation. It is always a mystery what question will come next, which is a part of the fun. If you didn’t attend the fair, the tips and resources below can hopefully help you troubleshoot your lawn issues. Each question is paired with quick advice and links to more detailed information.
How do I control creeping Charlie?
The most frequently asked question is how to control creeping Charlie (ground ivy). While some homeowners like it or tolerate it, many homeowners want to know how to remove it because it is taking over their yards. Hand-weeding can be difficult to remove all of the plant material and is a yearly process. In shady environments, providing more sunlight can help increase lawn density.
Fall is the best time to use a selective herbicide on creeping Charlie when plants are sending food reserves to roots. Triclopyr as a standalone herbicide is the best option. A non-chemical weed control option is solarization, which is using a clear plastic sheet for an extended period to capture light, raise soil temperatures, and kill turf/weeds underneath.
To learn more about creeping Charlie (ground ivy) management visit UMN Extension - Creeping Charlie.
How do I control crabgrass?
The display of common lawn weeds is the first thing visitors see upon entering the building, and we often see them point to the pot of crabgrass and say, 'That's what we have!' (Figure 3). Crabgrass is an opportunistic weed that takes advantage of thin, sparse grass, bare areas, or a lawn that is mown too low, allowing it to thrive and spread. The best way to control crabgrass is to maintain a dense and healthy lawn through proper mowing (3-4 inch mowing height), watering, and fertilizing. Crabgrass can be controlled by applying herbicides before turfgrass seeds germinate in spring, before soil temperatures stay consistently above 55 degrees.
To learn more about crabgrass management visit UMN Extension - Crabgrass or read about Andrew Hollman’s research into improving crabgrass infested yards.
How do I establish a bee lawn?
Bee lawns or pollinator lawns have gained in popularity over the last five years as people look for environmentally friendly, low-maintenance lawns that also support pollinators. Local seed vendors can attest to increased seed sales and we have seen greater and greater interest in this part of our display. A bee lawn typically includes a mix of fine fescues, Dutch white clover, and self-heal, and it can be successfully integrated into an existing lawn. Once established, bee lawns can provide food for bees and other beneficial insects, while functioning as lawn. To establish a bee lawn, keep these tips in mind:
- Site location - Sunny and a low traffic area
- Starting small is ok - Rather than trying to convert the whole yard at once
- Establishment - Dormant seeding is best
- Mowing - Adjust mower to at least 3 inches and mow less frequently
- Fertilizer - Once established, a bee lawn requires little to no fertilizer
- Be patient - Flowers may take some time to establish and replanting might be necessary
For more information on bee lawns and establishing one, visit UMN Extension - Planting and maintaining a bee lawn.
What are the best watering practices and what are smart controllers?
Underground sprinkler systems provide homeowners with a convenient way to water their lawn and landscape, but it could lead to overwatering or unnecessary irrigation if it is not closely monitored. It’s important to not take a “set it and forget it” approach and keep an eye on the weather, especially if rain is in the forecast. Many fair attendees have these controllers but had questions about their use.
There are several components of an irrigation system and you will need to confirm that all of them are working correctly. A good practice is to inspect the system during spring startup and monitor each zone and individual sprinkler head to make sure there aren’t any leaks or misaligned nozzles. By law, every system must include a rain or soil moisture sensor that can automatically override the programming during periods of adequate rainfall or soil moisture. The best time to irrigate is early morning between 4:00-8:00 a.m. to increase absorption and reduce evaporation. Adjust seasonally, as watering requirements change throughout the season.
Smart irrigation controllers connect to Wi-Fi and use real-time weather data from local stations to automatically adjust watering schedules. They also offer remote access, making them especially helpful for homeowners who aren’t actively monitoring the weather. Residents of several cities in the Twin Cities metro area may be eligible for smart controller products rebates. See if your city participates in the program.
For more information on water saving strategies, visit UMN extension - Water saving strategies for home lawns.
What grass should I use?
Booth visitors often ask us, “What’s the best grass for my yard?”. The answer usually depends on how the lawn will be used and the growing environment. Residents with lawns are often looking for solutions for a variety of lawn conditions, including establishing a new lawn, complete renovation, bare or sparse areas, winterkill damage, crabgrass infestation, and many more. Some questions that can help determine what species are the following:
- How will the lawn be used?
- How large is the area?
- How do you want to manage the lawn? High or low maintenance?
- Is there an underground sprinkler system?
- Is it sun or shade?
- Will there be frequent foot traffic?
For more information on species recommendations and buying grass seed, visit UMN Extension - Buying turfgrass seed for Minnesota lawns.
When is the best time to seed?
Timing for seeding is a common question, since fixing lawn problems with new seed is often on the mind of someone who stops to ask about their lawn. The best time to seed in Minnesota is late summer to early fall (mid-August through mid-September), when soil temperatures are warm and cooler days can provide the best opportunity for rapid establishment. The next best time is early to mid-November when soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees, in a process called dormant seeding. By the end of the state fair, the late summer seeding window is closing, so we often recommend dormant seeding.
While late summer is generally the ideal time for seeding, dormant seeding is often the most practical option for homeowners. For example, establishing grass in a large area without an underground sprinkler system can be challenging during late summer, as grass seed requires consistent moisture for successful germination and establishment. Manually watering such areas with hoses and sprinklers can be labor-intensive and inefficient. Every homeowner’s situation is unique, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each seeding window and make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.
Read about Andrew Hollman’s research into dormant seeding as an approach to establish lawns in Minnesota.
As we continue our turfgrass research, we will continue to share what we learn. Each year we look to improve the exhibit at the state fair to help homeowners to improve their yards while conserving water. The questions we receive from visitors can help guide and inspire new areas of research.
For all of your lawn care needs - including planting and growing, maintaining, and watering your lawn - visit the UMN Extension website for tips and resources.
Our exhibit at the state fair is supported by the Metropolitan Council as part of our collaboration to reduce water use on Twin Cities lawns.