Over the past five years I am getting a substantial amount of moss in my lawn. My neighbors also have large areas of moss in their yards. The moss is in sunny and shaded areas. The amount of moss has increased every year. Is there a new moss taking over? Thanks Kennan Hudson

Hi Our HOA is looking to address multiple areas in our community. We are looking for someone who can develop a master landscaping plan, using native plants. Do you know of any resources to help us?

Is the use of flushing bars on tractors effective in reducing ground nesting bird mortality or on nest success rates? I am only able to find very old data from the 1950's. Is there any more recent research than that?

Hello, I am looking for advice on a good cover crop/soil builder for farm ground in Genesee county. It is heavy clay without any top soil. What is the best cover crop for this? Thank you!

Can you help to identify these two pumpkins? I planted some left over pumpkins and moldy squash, some home grown and others boughten, in our garden last spring and here are two of the items that grew.

I did some online research:

73 Types of Squash (A-Z Guide with Pics)

https://goodgourds.com/ultimate-squash-guide/

My best guess for the white pumpkins is either Flat White Boer or Lumina, as the fruit stem appears to be smooth and “spongy”, consistent with C. maxima species, vs hard and ridged. They are about 10” in diameter and 7 “ high. The seeds are smooth along the edges.

I am at a loss for the orange pumpkin. Based on the stem being hard and ridged, I’m guessing it is of C. pepo species.

In particular, are they safe to eat?

Our area has been invaded by rats. I definitely know they left my dresser alone, due, I think, to having Lavender in each drawer. I have two cats and a tiny dog, traps and poison are not an option. My income will not cover an exterminator, plus they want to poison. Killing rodents in house is a must, poison might kill my kittens or pup, let alone other critters that might feed on dead rodents. Will planting Lavender, Peppermint, Marigolds around my smallish house help keep the rodents out of the house. I have cleaned the yard, no food left out, glass jar storage of all edibles. Traps under kitchen range and refrigerator. Our neighborhood has a lot of street dwelling folks, many of whom are filthy. Fighting the ratties and mice seems to be up to each individual. I have successfully traps, just do not want curious kitties trapped.

I have a greenhouse new this year in Muskegon, Michigan. Inside there are raised beds, 18 inches deep. What would be the best soil mix to fill them? We have a local landscape company that has mulch, topsoil, manure, peet moss, sand, dolomite, etc. The beds are pretty big so I would prefer to get my supplies in bulk if possible. When I had raised beds outside, I just used a 50/50 mixture of topsoil and manure and everything grew fine, but I don't know if that was "correct" or would work in this situation. Thanks for the help!

Multiple trees have holes all over them. What can I use to treat or who can I call in California Maryland.

I have submitted photos of a tree in our yard. One is of the whole tree. The other is of the base where the damage has occurred. It has worsened over time. It almost seems like it has been damaged by a woodpecker or other animal. Can you tell me what is happening and whether the tree is still sound.