Spring is here—and so are the bugs! In this episode, Mike dives into practical tips for keeping mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks at bay, so you can actually enjoy your yard without the bites. Learn the do’s and don’ts of bug zappers, why DEET isn’t as scary as it sounds, and how an unexpected drugstore body spray (hint: vanilla!) can be your secret weapon.

Plus, Mike answers listener questions about:


Saving winter-damaged boxwoods 🌿


Battling invasive zoysia grass 🌱


The right time to rake and clean up your lawn 🍂

And if you’re out near Lake Onalaska—don’t miss the pelican migration!

Spring is here&mdash;and so are the bugs! In this episode, Mike dives into practical tips for keeping mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks at bay, so you can actually enjoy your yard without the bites. Learn the do&rsquo;s and don&rsquo;ts of bug zappers, why DEET isn&rsquo;t as scary as it sounds, and how an unexpected drugstore body spray (hint: vanilla!) can be your secret weapon.
Plus, Mike answers listener questions about:
<ul data-start="581" data-end="707">
<li data-start="581" data-end="618">
Saving winter-damaged boxwoods 🌿
</li>
<li data-start="619" data-end="656">
Battling invasive zoysia grass 🌱
</li>
<li data-start="657" data-end="707">
The right time to rake and clean up your lawn 🍂
</li>
</ul>
And if you&rsquo;re out near Lake Onalaska&mdash;don&rsquo;t miss the pelican migration!

Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

Plant Doctor with Mike Meier

Do you have a green thumb, but don't know where to start? Are all your plants dying, and you don't know why? If you need advice on how to take care of your lawn, trees, or house plants, the Plant Dr. Mike Meier can help!

Join Mike every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZMnews.com. You can also call in with your questions at 608-785-7914.

And if you miss an episode, you can always listen to this podcast later.

Do you have a green thumb, but don't know where to start? Are all your plants dying, and you don't know why? If you need advice on how to take care of your lawn, trees, or house plants, the Plant Dr. Mike Meier can help!
Join Mike every Saturday morning from 10-11 on <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">WIZMnews.com</a>. You can also call in with your questions at 608-785-7914.
And if you miss an episode, you can always listen to this podcast later.

Plant Doctor

Bugged Out: How to Keep Pests from Ruining Your Yard

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into the controversial topic of "No Mow May" and why he believes it's not beneficial for your lawn or the environment. He addresses the myths surrounding pollinators and the necessity of honeybees for plant growth, providing a fresh perspective on lawn care and maintenance during the spring season.

Key Topics & Caller Questions:


No Mow May Debate: Mike critiques the "No Mow May" initiative, arguing that allowing grass to grow unchecked can harm your lawn and attract unwanted pests.


Grass Clippings and Raspberries: A caller asks if it's safe to use grass clippings as mulch around raspberry plants, and Mike explains the potential issues with moisture and mold.


Squirrel Deterrents: Mike offers creative solutions for keeping squirrels out of gardens, including the use of cayenne pepper and bird netting.


Garden Tilling Techniques: A listener inquires about the necessity of extensive tilling, and Mike shares insights on effective soil preparation without overdoing it.


Understanding Pollination: Mike debunks common myths about honeybees and emphasizes that many plants can thrive without them, drawing on historical examples.

This episode is filled with practical advice, lively discussions, and a dose of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their gardening knowledge this spring. Tune in for expert tips that will help you cultivate a healthy and vibrant lawn!

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into the controversial topic of "No Mow May" and why he believes it's not beneficial for your lawn or the environment. He addresses the myths surrounding pollinators and the necessity of honeybees for plant growth, providing a fresh perspective on lawn care and maintenance during the spring season.
Key Topics &amp; Caller Questions:
<ul>
<li>
No Mow May Debate:&nbsp;Mike critiques the "No Mow May" initiative, arguing that allowing grass to grow unchecked can harm your lawn and attract unwanted pests.
</li>
<li>
Grass Clippings and Raspberries:&nbsp;A caller asks if it's safe to use grass clippings as mulch around raspberry plants, and Mike explains the potential issues with moisture and mold.
</li>
<li>
Squirrel Deterrents:&nbsp;Mike offers creative solutions for keeping squirrels out of gardens, including the use of cayenne pepper and bird netting.
</li>
<li>
Garden Tilling Techniques:&nbsp;A listener inquires about the necessity of extensive tilling, and Mike shares insights on effective soil preparation without overdoing it.
</li>
<li>
Understanding Pollination:&nbsp;Mike debunks common myths about honeybees and emphasizes that many plants can thrive without them, drawing on historical examples.
</li>
</ul>
This episode is filled with practical advice, lively discussions, and a dose of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their gardening knowledge this spring. Tune in for expert tips that will help you cultivate a healthy and vibrant lawn!

 Lawn Logic: Why No Mow May Might Be a Mistake

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike tackles the exciting world of spring gardening and shares his top tips for planning your garden effectively. He emphasizes the importance of creating a garden map to avoid overspending on plants and offers practical advice on how to propagate dogwood bushes and what to do about pesky spruce trees affected by disease.

Key Topics & Caller Questions:


Creating a Garden Map: Mike discusses how to sketch out your garden layout to ensure you buy the right amount of plants and avoid overcrowding.


Dogwood Propagation: A caller asks about propagating dogwood bushes, and Mike provides step-by-step instructions for successful cuttings.


Replacing Spruce Trees: Mike advises on suitable replacements for spruce trees affected by disease, suggesting white pine as a resilient option.


Spring Raking Tips: A listener inquires about the best time to rake their lawn, and Mike shares his insights on soil moisture and timing.


Managing Moles: Mike gives practical advice on dealing with moles in your yard, including effective baiting techniques.


Grass Growth Around Trees: A caller seeks advice on growing grass around a honey locust tree, and Mike discusses aeration and watering strategies.

This episode is packed with valuable information for gardeners looking to kick off the season right, featuring practical tips and expert insights that will help you cultivate a thriving garden. Don't miss out on Mike's lively discussion and expert advice!

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike tackles the exciting world of spring gardening and shares his top tips for planning your garden effectively. He emphasizes the importance of creating a garden map to avoid overspending on plants and offers practical advice on how to propagate dogwood bushes and what to do about pesky spruce trees affected by disease.
Key Topics &amp; Caller Questions:
<ul>
<li>
Creating a Garden Map:&nbsp;Mike discusses how to sketch out your garden layout to ensure you buy the right amount of plants and avoid overcrowding.
</li>
<li>
Dogwood Propagation:&nbsp;A caller asks about propagating dogwood bushes, and Mike provides step-by-step instructions for successful cuttings.
</li>
<li>
Replacing Spruce Trees:&nbsp;Mike advises on suitable replacements for spruce trees affected by disease, suggesting white pine as a resilient option.
</li>
<li>
Spring Raking Tips:&nbsp;A listener inquires about the best time to rake their lawn, and Mike shares his insights on soil moisture and timing.
</li>
<li>
Managing Moles:&nbsp;Mike gives practical advice on dealing with moles in your yard, including effective baiting techniques.
</li>
<li>
Grass Growth Around Trees:&nbsp;A caller seeks advice on growing grass around a honey locust tree, and Mike discusses aeration and watering strategies.
</li>
</ul>
This episode is packed with valuable information for gardeners looking to kick off the season right, featuring practical tips and expert insights that will help you cultivate a thriving garden. Don't miss out on Mike's lively discussion and expert advice!

Garden Planning 101: Mapping Your Way to a Beautiful Landscape

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives deep into the world of lawn care as spring begins to awaken the gardens and yards. He addresses the aftermath of recent storms, discussing how they impact tree health and the importance of timely lawn maintenance. With a wealth of listener questions pouring in, Mike focuses on how to choose the right lawn care company and what to look out for when hiring professionals.

Key Topics & Caller Questions:


Choosing a Lawn Care Company: Mike shares insights from his experience managing a lawn care company, emphasizing the need to avoid fly-by-night operations and how to spot reputable businesses.


Pruning Trees: A caller inquires about the best time to prune their maple tree. Mike explains the ideal timing and techniques to ensure healthy growth while minimizing damage.


Emerald Ash Borer Concerns: Another caller raises concerns about their ash trees. Mike discusses the signs of infestation and the importance of proper treatment to protect these valuable trees.


Moss and Crabgrass Management: A listener asks about dealing with moss in their lawn. Mike advises on effective raking techniques and the timing for applying lime and crabgrass preventer.


Fertilization Tips: Mike highlights the best times to fertilize your lawn and the types of products to use, stressing the importance of understanding soil temperature and crabgrass emergence.

This episode is packed with practical advice, expert tips, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their lawn care skills this spring. Tune in for a lively discussion that will help you get your garden and lawn in top shape!

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives deep into the world of lawn care as spring begins to awaken the gardens and yards. He addresses the aftermath of recent storms, discussing how they impact tree health and the importance of timely lawn maintenance. With a wealth of listener questions pouring in, Mike focuses on how to choose the right lawn care company and what to look out for when hiring professionals.
Key Topics &amp; Caller Questions:
<ul>
<li>
Choosing a Lawn Care Company:&nbsp;Mike shares insights from his experience managing a lawn care company, emphasizing the need to avoid fly-by-night operations and how to spot reputable businesses.
</li>
<li>
Pruning Trees:&nbsp;A caller inquires about the best time to prune their maple tree. Mike explains the ideal timing and techniques to ensure healthy growth while minimizing damage.
</li>
<li>
Emerald Ash Borer Concerns:&nbsp;Another caller raises concerns about their ash trees. Mike discusses the signs of infestation and the importance of proper treatment to protect these valuable trees.
</li>
<li>
Moss and Crabgrass Management:&nbsp;A listener asks about dealing with moss in their lawn. Mike advises on effective raking techniques and the timing for applying lime and crabgrass preventer.
</li>
<li>
Fertilization Tips:&nbsp;Mike highlights the best times to fertilize your lawn and the types of products to use, stressing the importance of understanding soil temperature and crabgrass emergence.
</li>
</ul>
This episode is packed with practical advice, expert tips, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their lawn care skills this spring. Tune in for a lively discussion that will help you get your garden and lawn in top shape!

Bugged Out: How to Keep Pests from Ruining Your Yard

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