Pests in the Urban Landscape

Urban neighborhood and park.

The Pests in the Urban Landscape blog shares the latest resources and information from the UC IPM Urban & Community team to help you sustainably manage pests in the home, garden, and landscape. 

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A brown deer with large ears laying in tall, dry grass, looking over its shoulder toward the camera.

“Deer-Resistant” Plants – Truth or Fiction?

March 26, 2026
By Robert M Timm
Is there such a thing as a deer-proof plant? Perhaps…but there are a variety of reasons deer may choose to ignore or consume specific plant species at a particular time and place.  Certain plants native to California (and elsewhere) have evolved natural defenses against being eaten by browsing…
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A close-up of a California burclover plant showing deep green compound leaves with 3 leaflets, small yellow flowers, and green, round, spiny seeds.

Shamrocks, Clovers, or Weeds?

March 18, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
St. Patrick’s Day makes us think about shamrocks and all things green. With recent warm weather following winter rains, your lawn or garden might be dressing up for Saint Patrick’s Day and Spring with clovers and other weeds.  Clovers begin to germinate in the fall and continue throughout winter…
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A dense stand of spiny yellow starthistle plants with light green, spindly foliage and bright yellow flowers.

Invasive Species: Nature’s Troublemakers

March 11, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
California is famous for its scenic wilderness and biological diversity. Unfortunately, our state’s unique ecosystems are in danger, and invasive species are among the biggest threats to our environment. Invasive species can cause all kinds of environmental damage, such as harming wildlife, disrupting our…
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The green foliage of a small sycamore tree coated with fluffly, white patches of powdery mildew fungus.

What's That Powdery Stuff on My Plants?

March 5, 2026
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
Have you seen white powdery-looking patches appearing on the leaves of your roses or sycamore trees? While home gardeners may be familiar with this sign of the plant disease powdery mildew on their veggies, ornamental plants and landscape trees can also be infected. In addition to those powdery spots, the…
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