Rural Lifestyle

Protecting Ponds from Too Much "Moss"

The warm, early spring weather has prompted the growth of vegetation across Iowa’s nutrient rich soils – and soon it will encourage growth in the nutrient-rich waters of Iowa ponds. During this time of year, known as the spring turnover, oxygen and nutrients get distributed throughout pond water, the sun gets stronger and the first algae begin to grow.

Properly Pruning Trees During Winter Months

At this stage of winter, trees on Iowa’s landscape are still months from blooming and providing shade, which makes this the prime time of the year to give trees a tune-up with pruning. Using proper pruning techniques avoids harming trees. Here are some tips from horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on the proper way to prune trees in winter.