Now offered both online and in person
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jon Trappe
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Online or in person at the Arboretum; choose at registration.
How to participate online: Registered attendees will receive the link needed to join in their initial purchase confirmation by email. The Arboretum will also send a reminder email with the link a few days prior to the start date. Simply click the link at the webinar start time to join!
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center) or online via Zoom
A healthy lawn can provide many benefits for homeowners and their communities, but maintaining one can be challenging — especially if you're looking for a lower-maintenance approach. Join Jon Trappe for this introductory workshop covering the fundamentals of lawn care and the best management practices for maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn.
Topics include mowing, fertilizing, watering and managing weeds, insects and thatch, as well as lawn establishment, renovation and aerification. Participants will also have the opportunity for hands-on turfgrass identification and learn how to use a seasonal lawn care calendar to keep their lawn looking its best throughout the year.
In-person attendees will conclude the workshop with a lawn walk through the Arboretum grounds to identify common lawn problems and discuss practical solutions.
In this class you will:
- Identify which type of grass you have in your lawn.
- Understand how to manage your lawn with fewer inputs.
- Learn to avoid common pitfalls for over- and under-managed lawns.
- Find out how to get future help with your lawn.
Supplies: None
Instructor:
Dr. Jon Trappe is the Turfgrass Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota. He has over 20 years of experience working in the turfgrass industry. He received his B.S. in Agronomy from Purdue University, M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, and Ph.D. in Agronomy from Purdue University. Jon is passionate about helping homeowners and professionals manage their turfgrass areas using fewer resources.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: 3210 W 82nd St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Bee Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.