We have a large silver maple with exposed roots. Concerned about lawn mower cutting roots. Please advise which is a better, mulching or planting ground cover. Thank you

We first noticed them in our kitchen, seemed like hundreds of them but all but a few only on the floor under the kitchen counter. They are very big, but slow and almost lethargic. The first infestation was the worst, but they loved the Terro Liquid Ant Baits we put out. By the next morning there were 6-8 in or around the 2 baits, but the rest were gone. They have not returned to our kitchen floor except for the occasional straggler. This morning I found a giant on in our office (down the hall from the kitchen). Now there are many (not the swarm) in our carpeted basement and the hard surface bathroom has appeared to be the destination for many. I did see a few in our garage, but not many, and no direction to their movement. They no longer will even consider the bait but remain slow and lethargic. I have begun to find some with wings in the basement (I think about 1/2 dozen so far). My question is what to do? Can we manage them without professional help? If so, how should we do it? Do we need to worry about what they may be eating?

can i put them in my garden ?

We have clay soil and are looking to replace our dying over grown Evergreen shrub. What are some options for us to go to?

I have a vegetable raised bed that I top dressed with leaves. I recently found out that some were contaminated with raccoon feces and I'm wondering if there's any way to test the soil for roundworm eggs or decontaminate the soil.

If not, what's the best way to safely dispose of the soil in the bed?

Thank you!

I am about to put in a 20 ft hedge and it was recommended that I buy Catoneaster. Now I am worried about rabbits as they have massacred my present Catoneaster hedge. I want something to grow at least 5ft high. Can yo think of an alternative? I live n Minneapolis I already have a Korean lilac on one end and 3 Dogwood on the other end. Please advise. Joan Moffatt

Pachysandra is turning yellow and appears to be dying. What can I do? The problem began last year. Seems much worse. We have many healthy beds of the dark green ground cover, The section that appears dying receives more sunlight than any of the other beds. I am thinking from appearances that the problem is systemic...however, I do not recall doing anything different in managing that bed. Thank you so much! This bed is located directly in front of our home and really looks "sick"...PLEASE HELP.

Can you identify the species and name of this grass? It seems native and it grows well along roads and paths in Minneapolis. I’m interested in no mow grasses that are hardy like this. Thanks!