Homeowners should put a lot of thought in selecting the right lawn-care service, said a University of Missouri turf grass scientist.

“You should always follow some basic guidelines in choosing a lawn-care company,” said Brad Fresenburg.

First, know what lawn- or landscape-care services you want. Ask several companies what services they offer and ask for client references.

Insist that a company representative visit your…[more]

Homeowners may see some unwanted excavation in their lawns and gardens this time of year-the work of moles.

Homeowners should forgo homespun remedies such as razor blades, bleach, lye or human hair, said Robert Pierce, University of Missouri Extension wildlife specialist. Repellents and toxicants also often fail to provide adequate control.

“Trapping is still the most effective method for removing nuisance moles,” Pierce said. “Although there…[more]

Take a drive around most southwest Missouri towns and you will see that Chickweed has invaded many gardens, flower beds and yards.

Homeowners complain more about Chickweed this time of year than any other week according to Jay Chism, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

However the good news is that it is possible to plan control strategies once you understand the life cycle of…[more]

The price of domestic broadband contracts is set to fall by 50% over the next five years, according to a study into pricing habits released by industry advice centre BroadbandInternetProviders.net.

The study, released today, reflected a trend of decreasing prices as competition has been introduced into the market. On that basis, the report concluded that over the next five years the average domestic broadband package could fall by…[more]

After a long (seemingly endless) winter, spring has finally arrived. It’s hard to beat springtime in the Midwest.  Soon the browns and grays of winter will be replaced by the greens, reds and yellows of spring. While spring is an enjoyable time, there are a number of outdoor chores that need to be done to enhance our yards and gardens. Important springtime chores include applying preemergence herbicides to lawns, dividing…[more]

For most families who buy homes, it is the largest single purchase ever made.

But too often, it is a purchase that is handled with haste and inadequate preparation, according to Janet LaFon, family financial education specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“Most people usually begin looking at homes before they’ve determined how much they can afford to spend. This makes them extremely vulnerable to all the…[more]

Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is waiving the fee for private water supply testing due to the floods.
“The flooding has devastated many Missouri communities and the safety of the water supply in some areas is a very real concern,” Gov. Blunt said. “Our emergency responders and state agencies are doing everything in their power to protect and assist Missourians…[more]

Missouri diesel fuel prices hit a new high as national records were also set for diesel fuel and gasoline, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center’s latest biweekly Missouri Energy Bulletin.

On March 17, the retail price paid at Missouri diesel fuel pumps averaged $3.86, a new state record average. The Missouri average is 11 cents lower than the U.S. average of more than $3.97…[more]

Training your horse takes plenty of patience - for the trainer and the horse, says Steve Jones, extension associate professor/equine specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

Jones uses four horses, 3 to 10 years of age, in clinics to teach horse owners how to train their animals.[more]

LITTLE ROCK - For some gardeners, moles can make a mountain out of a … mole hill.

“These little critters - moles - are just 4-9 inches long, but their underground tunneling makes them one of the most destructive mammals that can inhabit a front yard,” says Dr. Rebecca McPeake, associate professor/extension wildlife specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Their digging activities aerate…[more]