Balancing Facts and Opinions in Landscaping

Since becoming the Johnson County K-State Ornamentals and Turf Extension Agent, I have discovered the questions routinely asked aren't always easy to answer. It's not a question about the fine details of pruning shrubs or what lawn grass is best for dry, shady environments. Instead, it's questions that were no challenge for me to answer before becoming an extension agent. Usually, the questions are framed as, "What do you think about…?", "How do you feel about…" or even "What's your opinion on…" We are in the researched, fact-based information business at K State Research and Extension. Therefore, I must give research, context, and facts instead of my opinions.

The most common question is, "What is your opinion on my landscape companies (any number between 3-10)-step fertilization plan?" I get this question from the public when they are interested in getting a soil test, and I also ask myself when I am giving soil amendment recommendations. Many soil test results show that these lawns contain above-optimal phosphorus and potassium levels. The K-State Soil Lab includes suggested amending recommendations with the results in the packet, which we then share with the customer. The exact wording in the comments reads,

"Established Lawn: Tall fescue is normally fertilized two or three times each year. The most important fertilizations are done in September and again in November. For high quality turf, also fertilize in May. If nitrogen is only applied once per year, fertilize in September for best results.
September Application: Use a fertilizer that contains primarily nitrogen such as one of the following:"…
"November Application: Use a high nitrogen fertilizer for the November application as well.
May Application: If you decide to use a May fertilization, apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer at the rate suggested on the bag."

If you have received this recommendation, I have a question for you. Did you follow those recommendations? Did you pass them on to the landscape company that fertilizes your yard? Has the fertilizing regiment changed at all? These recommendations are not my opinions; they come directly from the university. My opinion is if you receive soil test results and take no recommended corrective action, that is not the best practice.

I also get questions about native plants in a suburban landscape. I have opinions about what should and should not be planted in the landscape. However, in my professional capacity, I can't let my personal feelings get in the way of providing fact-based information. The reality is there is research that helps county clubs have the best-looking grass for their golf courses, as well as why establishing diverse edge habitats improves insect and wildlife populations. Even though the popular trends in the garden industry have changed and will continue to change, there is research that can help any grower, landscaper, or gardener, no matter how "natural" they decide to be.

Subjective opinions I don't mind sharing that no amount of research will sway, include my favorite tree and sunflower. Since you asked, bald cypress, only because I like the texture of the leaves and the knobby knees. I enjoy growing burgundy-colored sunflowers. The point is that my personal preference is not getting in the way of recommending research-based best practices.

by Markis Hill, Horticulture Ornamentals and Turf Agent, 2025