Welcome to the General News section - your source for what's happening in the lawn and landscape industry. From national events to local success stories, we cover innovations, partnerships, business moves, and industry shifts that shape the green world. Stay informed, stay inspired.
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Aug 30, 2025 - 18:00 GMT
Certain plants should never be pruned in September because doing so can remove next year's flower buds or vital food sources for wildlife. Experts advise leaving rosemary, Chinese fringe flower, American beautyberry, native grasses, asters, lilacs, and some hydrangeas untouched until their proper pruning seasons.
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Aug 30, 2025 - 14:01 GMT
Flowering trees like star magnolia, Yoshino cherry, Mexican buckeye, white dogwood, bottlebrush, flowering crabapple, and tulip tree provide vibrant blooms, fragrance, and multi-season beauty that can transform any yard into a centerpiece. Beyond their visual appeal, these trees also support pollinators, wildlife, and even air quality, making them both environmentally beneficial and aesthetically rewarding.
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Aug 30, 2025 - 13:01 GMT
Harvesting basil regularly by pinching leaves from the top or cutting stems above leaf nodes encourages bushy growth and prolongs the plant's productivity until frost. Fresh basil can be stored in water like cut flowers, wrapped in damp paper towels, frozen in ice trays, or dried for long-term use.
Aug 29, 2025 - 18:00 GMT
Matt Freedman, president of Beach Landscaping in South Carolina, says building connections with customers, peers, and suppliers is key to growth in the lawn care industry. Attending events like the Landscape Management Growth Summit gave him new ideas for scaling his business, access to better products and equipment, and valuable relationships that continue to benefit his company.
Aug 29, 2025 - 17:52 GMT
Coffee grounds don't drastically change soil pH, but they do add mild acidity, nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and feed beneficial microbes that improve soil health. Many plants - such as azaleas, hydrangeas, Japanese maples, African violets, philodendrons, potatoes, and eggplants - thrive with small amounts of coffee grounds mixed into their soil or compost.
Aug 29, 2025 - 17:34 GMT
American Greens has completed the new Columbus Park Putting Course in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, a free 22,000-square-foot public facility featuring a 9-hole mini-putt, full-size putting green, chipping area, and sand bunker. Funded by Troon for $450,000, the project aims to make golf more accessible while supporting community programs and youth development.
Aug 29, 2025 - 16:06 GMT
Purdue University Veterinary Hospital has upgraded its outdoor dog run with K9Grass Elite, a synthetic turf designed for pets, based on a senior capstone project by horticulture student Mary Schultz. The new surface improves drainage, durability, and hygiene, creating a reliable recovery space for canine patients while serving as a lasting tribute to Schultz's design work.
Aug 29, 2025 - 15:04 GMT
In 2025, U.S. households spend an average of $621.56 annually on professional lawn care, ranging from $272.64 in Flint, MI to $1,597.24 in Newton, MA. Peak lawn care seasons average 250 days, with longer seasons in southern cities like Houston and San Antonio and shorter ones in northern cities like Philadelphia.
Aug 28, 2025 - 22:35 GMT
Southern California businesses, schools, HOAs, and institutions can now receive a record $7 per square foot rebate from the Metropolitan Water District for replacing grass with sustainable landscaping, thanks to new state and federal funding. The program aims to cut outdoor irrigation, help properties comply with California's upcoming ban on nonfunctional turf, and save enough water to supply thousands of homes annually.
Aug 28, 2025 - 21:58 GMT
The average U.S. household water bill is about $43 per month, though costs vary widely by state, household size, and seasonal use, ranging from under $20 in some areas to over $100 in others. Factors like tiered pricing, conservation surcharges, leaks, lawn irrigation, and sewer fees can significantly raise costs, making efficient use and maintenance key to keeping bills manageable.
Aug 28, 2025 - 19:17 GMT
A clash between history and modern recreation is playing out in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Plans to install a synthetic turf sports field at the historic Zabriskie-Schedler property have been temporarily denied by the state's Historic Sites Council. Preservationists argue the project threatens the site's character and environment, while youth sports advocates say new fields are desperately needed. The dispute now moves to state officials for review.
Aug 28, 2025 - 19:00 GMT
For decades, homeowners' associations (HOAs) have shaped communities across Florida - enforcing rules, collecting fees, and maintaining property values. But one Miami lawmaker now says the system has gone too far. Rep. Juan Porras is considering legislation to abolish HOAs altogether, calling them an "authoritarian" and "failed experiment" that burdens residents with rising costs and unnecessary restrictions.
Aug 28, 2025 - 18:40 GMT
Fall brings some of the best conditions of the year for lawn care. After the heat of summer, cooler nights and seasonal rains create the perfect window to seed, fertilize, and aerate your yard. By taking a few simple steps now-like overseeding, mowing at the right height, and improving soil health-you'll set your lawn up to recover from summer stress and thrive next spring.
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Aug 28, 2025 - 17:59 GMT
Keeping a lawn in shape takes time, energy, and a lot of weekend effort. Robotic lawn mowers change that by cutting your grass automatically??"much like a robot vacuum handles your floors. Today's models are smarter, safer, and built to handle everything from small suburban yards to large rural properties, giving you more free time while keeping your lawn perfectly trimmed.
Aug 28, 2025 - 16:30 GMT
West Central Iowa Rural Water Association (WCIRWA) and Denison Municipal Utilities (DMU) has lifted the Water Watch restrictions that were implemented last March to conserve water over the summer months. With the area receiving more than adequate rainfall over the past few months and DMU's static and pumping levels improving enough to ensure enough water for customers, the water watch has been lifted effective immediately. WCIRWA and DMU wishes to thank all the customers for their compliance and cooperation with the restrictions to build back up the supply and making sure enough water was available during the spring and summer months.
Aug 28, 2025 - 15:53 GMT
Florida Highway Patrol reports a tragic incident in Summerfield where a 76-year-old woman was run over by a golf cart in a backyard Wednesday afternoon. The case remains under investigation, and no charges have been announced.
Aug 28, 2025 - 15:34 GMT
Several parts of western Montana are seeing unusually low water levels this season. The Bitterroot River below Lolo Creek is flowing at only about 60% of its normal rate for this time of year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Blackfoot, Clark Fork above Missoula, and Rock Creek are also running much lower than average. Why does this matter for your lawn? Just like fish struggle when rivers run low and warm, grass and landscape plants are stressed when water is scarce and temperatures rise. With reduced natural moisture, irrigation systems have to work harder, and proper watering schedules become critical to keep lawns healthy and green.
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Aug 28, 2025 - 14:01 GMT
Earwigs - often called "pincher bugs" because of the small pincers on their tails - love damp, shady spots. They're most likely to sneak inside bathrooms, basements, or kitchens when outdoor conditions send them looking for food and shelter. While they rarely cause serious damage, no one wants these creepy crawlers hanging around the house or nibbling on garden plants. The good news is that with the right steps, you can prevent earwigs from moving in and clear them out quickly if they do.
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Aug 28, 2025 - 08:21 GMT
Fire ants are more than just a backyard nuisance - they sting, damage plants, and disrupt your garden's ecosystem. From inspecting potted plants and maintaining your yard to using targeted baits, diatomaceous earth, and ant-repelling plants, there are safe and effective methods to remove colonies. For larger infestations, professional treatments ensure long-lasting control and protect your landscape from recurring damage.
Aug 27, 2025 - 20:33 GMT
The best time to plant grass seed depends on the variety: cool-season grasses thrive when seeded in late summer to early fall, while warm-season grasses do best in spring once soil temperatures reach about 65 F. Timing seeding with your region's climate ensures strong root establishment, better growth, and a healthier, greener lawn.
Aug 27, 2025 - 18:59 GMT
"It's awesome to play on," said Chase Harton, a senior on the Mifflin County football squad. "It's very nice turf, very nice school in the backdrop."