Metropolitan Council

The risks of mowing green grass during summer drought

By Jillian Turbeville

When it comes to lawn management, droughts in the Midwest have become a topic of concern. Generally, homeowners will mow their lawn in a scheduled manner (once a week) or based on grass growth rate (⅓ rule), but should we mow based on how stressed the grasses are? Although this can be partially unrealistic, having a basic understanding of how your lawn responds to times of heat and drought in summer may help keep your grass greener for a longer period of time. 


UMN Turfgrass Team at two events this week!

an outdoor diplay of educational turfgrass materials

The UMN Turfgrass Science team will be at two events this week!


UMN Turfgrass Team at City of Andover Tree Time event!

a woman talking to residents at an outdoor event

The UMN Turfgrass Science team will be at the City of Andover's Tree Time event this Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.


UMN Turfgrass Team at two events this weekend!

turfgrass educational displays at two different events

The UMN Turfgrass Science team will be at both of the following events this Saturday!


UMN Turfgrass Team at Rosemount Home & Business Expo!

lawn care display

On Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the city of Rosemount is holding a Home & Business Expo (Rosemount Community Center Gym, 13885 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN).


Help with lawn water conservation

By Gary Deters


Learn more about our irrigation efficiency outreach efforts

By Kim Sullivan, Anoka County Master Gardener


Gary Deters takes on a New Role

By Eric Watkins

We are excited to announce that Gary Deters will be our new lawn water conservation educator!  Gary, who spent 23 years in golf course turf management, six of those years as a superintendent at St. Cloud Country Club, has been our field facility manager since March 2020. Gary has been an excellent addition to our team, ensuring that our research plots are maintained well, and experimental treatments are applied carefully and consistently.