With a few simple steps you can put your lawn to bed knowing it will awaken healthy and super-charged for spring.

(ARA) – Summer is winding down and soon it will be time to drain the gas from the lawn mower and safely store the string trimmer. You may feel like summer yard work is done for another year. But don’t turn your back on your lawn just yet.

Take care of some essential lawn chores this fall and you’ll reap the rewards next spring – in the form of a lush, healthy, beautiful lawn. In fall, lawn grasses need to become especially strong as the weather cools. Give them some TLC now, and your lawn will reap the benefits over the winter and into next spring. During the fall, your lawn is getting ready to go dormant for the winter. Your grass will rely on its roots throughout the winter season to obtain nutrients until spring.

Following these five (surprisingly fast) simple steps will ensure a sensational start to lush lawns next spring.

1. Start with the soil and aerate

Healthy, aerated soil will make room for water, nutrients, air and roots to move with ease.

The healthier your soil is the healthier your grass will be. Good, aerated soil will make room for water, nutrients, air and roots to move with ease. Aerated, healthy soil will hold water like a sponge, but at the same time promote drainage. Aerating also creates a good environment for the micro-organisms, worms and other life forms necessary for healthy turf. Without good soil you will find yourself doing lots of weed control and over-fertilizing.

2. Don’t delay dethatching

Thatch is the layer of dead grass that settles in between the soil surface and the green foliage of the grass. Too much thatch interferes with nutrient and water absorption. To gauge thatch’s thickness, take a 6-inch-deep plug of sod and soil from the lawn and measure the thickness of the packed thatch. If your thatch layer is more than 1/2 inch thick, your grass will struggle to grow.

3. Supply soil conditioners

Also called soil amendments, soil conditioners added to soil improve plant growth and overall health. Soil conditioners are not fertilizers, but they do improve soil’s drainage and some will also increase the water holding capacity of your soil.

4. Sow your seeds

Sowing grass seed will increase turf density and improve the overall health and appearance of your lawn. Seeding in the fall helps the lawn recover from heavy summer traffic and it influences the lawn’s look for the following spring. A dense lawn is also the best natural defense against weed and insect damage. For a wide variety of grass seed choices specifically formulated for your geographic region visit www.outsidepride.com.

An increasingly popular addition to backyard beauty is planting wildflowers instead of grass in hard to maintain, problem spots, like slopes and banks. Outsidepride.com offers a wide variety of blends for nine areas of the country, from the rainy Northeast to the dry Southwest. Adding wildflower seed this fall to your backyard will add beauty and diversity to your landscape next spring.

5. The easy way is the better way

When it comes to labor intensive fall lawn chores like aerating, dethatching, and soil conditioning, brute force isn’t necessarily the best, most efficient way to get the job done. You could rent a core aerator to pull up finger-sized cores of soil, but it takes a strong back and plenty of time to manage the heavy equipment. If your lawn is small enough, you can do the dethatching job using a thick-bladed thatching rake. But bigger lawns call for a power thatching mower. Soil conditioning is easier, yet still time-consuming.

Try a labor-free, easy, all-natural option that’s a liquid product, like LazyMan Liquid Gold. You can tackle the tasks of aerating, dethatching and soil conditioning with a hose-end sprayer in a matter of minutes.

Non-toxic and all natural, LazyMan Liquid Gold’s polymers penetrate hard soil and alternately attract or repel water molecules, opening pathways to allow free passage of moisture and nutrients. A brew of microbes feeds on dead plant tissue in the thatch layer, reducing thatch by half with just three applications at four-week intervals. Finally, humic acids and soil fungi promote soil fertility and plant growth.

After one-step spraying of LazyMan Liquid Gold, you’ve already accomplished three essential fall lawn care tasks. Now, all that’s left to do is seed and feed.

By following these simple lawn care practices in the fall, you can put your lawn to bed and sleep easily knowing that when your lawn awakens from winter it will be healthy and super-charged for spring. To learn more about lawn care, visit www.outsidepride.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Micro sprinklers apply water only when and where it is needed, conserving water and lowering your utility bills.

(ARA) – Even if your region is one of the few areas of the country not experiencing repeated drought seasons, it still makes sense environmentally and economically to conserve water as much as possible in your gardening and landscaping efforts.

“Nothing shouts ‘green’ quite like a thriving garden or a lush landscape,” says Susan Thayer, an irrigation and water conservation expert, “. . . except, perhaps, a beautiful yard or garden that’s been nurtured with green practices that conserve precious water.”

While drought in some mid-northern areas is expected to improve, dry conditions will likely persist in areas such as California, Texas, Florida and North Carolina, according the Seasonal Drought Outlook map. One thing that isn’t likely to change anytime soon, however, is the need to cut costs and conserve resources during an economic recession.

On average, micro sprinklers and drip irrigation use 80 to 90 percent less water than traditional irrigation.

Conserving water makes sense environmentally, and can also help your family reduce your water utility bill this summer.

It is possible to grow a thriving garden and nurture a lovely landscape while minimizing water consumption and saving money on your water bill. A combination of native-friendly plants, smart agricultural practices, alternative water sources and efficient irrigation can help keep gardens and lawns growing healthy throughout dry spells.

Here are some tips for conserving water and saving money by reducing your water bill in your corner of the planet.

* Choose drought-resistant native plants for your landscaping needs. Your options won’t be limited to cactus, either. From ornamental grasses to shrub roses, many drought-tolerant native species also offer bright color and visual appeal. Look for plants that do well in the driest conditions found in your geographic region. Your local Cooperative Extension office can help you identify plants that are right for your area. You’ll also find plenty of ideas online at sites like www.gardeners.com.

* Groom soil for optimum water absorption and retention. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends adding water-retaining organic material to your soil. You can also reduce evaporation by using mulch in landscaping beds.

* Look for alternative water sources other than the outdoor tap – such as collecting the water that drains from your air conditioner. Consider collecting roof runoff in a rain barrel for use in flower beds and vegetable gardens.

* Irrigate efficiently with low-volume irrigation systems and smart watering practices. Many communities now require all newly built homes to use low-volume irrigation in their landscapes. On average, micro sprinklers and drip irrigation uses 80 to 90 percent less water than traditional irrigation systems.

Irrigation manufacturers like Mister Landscaper are responding to increased consumer demand for low-volume systems by offering micro sprinkler and drip products that homeowners can easily install on their own. Mister Landscaper’s Micro Sprinkler Starter Kits efficiently and slowly irrigate flower and vegetable gardens, as well as areas where trees and shrubs grow. They are available in the plumbing department at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores or online at www.misterlandscaper.com. The system also offers a variety of retrofit products that allow you to replace or add on to an existing underground pvc sprinkler system so you can convert 120 gallons per hour (gph) heads to a 10 gph micro spray or 1-2gph dripper.

“The key is to apply water only exactly when and where it is needed,” Thayer says. Drip and micro spray irrigation provide optimum efficiency with minimum waste and over spray.

* Design your landscaping to minimize evaporation. Windbreaks and fences slow the movement of the wind over the ground and the evaporation it causes, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

To learn more about low-volume irrigation, visit www.misterlandscaper.com. For more information on water conservation, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(NC)—If the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, it may be time to rethink your lawn-care strategy. Brown, patchy or weed-ridden lawns are often the result of improper care. You too can have lush, green grass by employing some lawn care fundamentals. A real estate agent will emphasize the added benefit of curb appeal when selling your home so follow these need-to-know tips to get your lawn in tip-top shape this summer:

• Never cut more than one third of its height. Cutting grass too short weakens the plant, lowers weed resistance and it becomes susceptible to scorching from the sun. Opt for longer grass during times of intense heat or drought.

• Leave the clippings on the lawn as a frequently mowed lawn produces short clippings that release important nutrients as they decay and reduce water evaporation.

• Mow your lawn in varying patterns and do so in the evening to allow the grass a chance to recuperate before exposure to the sun.

• Water in the early morning to allow for proper penetration, avoiding excessive evaporation from the afternoon sun.

• Your lawn should receive enough water to penetrate to the depth of the roots. A well-watered lawn will spring back. Signs of an under-watered lawn include drooping grass, a bluish/grey colour and footprints that remain visible in the grass.

• Maintain a thick coverage of grass – this is the best defence against weeds.

• Reseed your lawn every spring to help encourage thicker growth.

• Get rid of weeds by using herbicides. Manual weeding is also an option, but the entire root must be removed or the weed may return.

• Healthy soil is an essential requirement for a healthy lawn. Although soil composition varies dramatically by geography, most lawns can benefit from fertilization. Use a soil test kit to determine which fertilizer (if any) will help your lawn.

• Ensure your lawn has an even layer of topsoil. A lawn with too many bumps or depressions can cause water to run off high areas and collect in lower areas.

More information is available online at www.royallepage.ca.

- News Canada

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Identifying fire ants and their mounds
Fire ants are small insects. They range in size from 1/16 to 1/5 of an inch long and are dark red and brown. A fire ant mound can be identified by its dome-shaped, soil-based structure that forms the upper most part of a fire ant colony. Their mounds can reach up to 12 inches or more in diameter and height and are usually found where water is nearby and the soil is damp.

Fire ants are hard workers and compile loose soil and other contents in the surrounding area to build their mounds. Mounds are typically visible in yards as soil granules form a “mound” shape, but are small and often hidden in grasses, weeds, under rocks and other landscaping. Mounds can pop up almost anywhere, but common places to watch for them include: Lawns and ornamental planting areas, patios, sidewalks, curbs, flower beds, compost piles, under trees and around electrical equipment. Be sure to keep an eye for fire ant mounds when you are enjoying parks, on golf courses, sports fields and any other places you, your kids or pets may walk through or play in.

Two-Step Method
There are two common approaches for effectively controlling fire ants — broadcast treatments and mound treatments. For large yards and early season prevention, use a broadcast treatment, such as Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer or AMDRO FireStrike to treat the entire yard. For smaller areas when visible mounds are present, use a mound treatment such as AMDRO Fire Ant Bait directly around individual mounds.

For the most comprehensive control, especially in the case of severe infestation, experts recommend a Two-Step Method using both broadcast and mound treatment. First use a broadcast spreader to treat your entire lawn. Then, treat particularly stubborn mounds you see with AMDRO Fire Ant Bait to eliminate fire ant activity in as little as one week.

It is an ant’s nature to pick up food and bring it into the colony to feed to the queen and other ants. Ants believe that bait and AMDRO Fire Ant Bait are food. You feed the worker ants and they in turn, feed the queens. As the bait works, it destroys the colony.

Quite the opposite, but with the same results, fire ants unknowingly pick up Over ‘n Out Fire Ant Killer on their bodies, carry it back to the mound, and distribute it to other colony members including the queen. Fire ants ingest it or absorb it through the cuticle, killing them and destroying the colony.

By using both a mound treatment and a broadcast treatment together, you achieve season-long control.

Neighborhood programs
The best way for homeowners to prevent fire ant infestations is to coordinate treatment with neighbors. A coordinated effort among neighbors maximizes the treated area, making it harder for fire ants to find a place to re-colonize. A neighborhood Two-Step Method is the most effective way to control and prevent fire ants for season-long control.

Studies show that areas with diligent neighborhood fire ant control programs, where multiple homeowners treat their lawns at the same time with the same fire ant control product, can reduce the number of active mounds by as much as 96 percent.

Treating fire ant stings
Fire ants bite and then inflict painful stings, which cause small blisters or pustules on the skin, typically up to 24 to 48 hours later. If you, your child, or your pet is stung by fire ants, it is important to follow first aid guidelines and to seek medical attention immediately if there is any suspicion of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions include severe swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, headaches and sweating.

If blisters occur, make sure they are clean and avoid any action that might further irritate the area, such as scratching or rubbing. Rinse the sting area with cold water and gentle soap to avoid infection and elevate the affected area of the body. You can use a cool compress or ice to reduce swelling and alleviate pain and itching.

Summer is the season to enjoy the outdoors. Now is the time to educate yourself and family on fire ants. Being able to identify fire ants and their mounds, proper treatments and handling stings are all extremely important to avoid fire ant infestation. Take time to educate yourself and family and enjoy a fire ant-free season.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Caring for the environment means caring for a full, green lawn. Properly maintaining your lawn will produce strong grass and can help protect and conserve water resources at the same time.

Regular care and lawn maintenance is especially important if you live near large bodies of fresh water like the Great Lakes. Containing more than 90 percent of the fresh surface water in the United States, the Great Lakes provide more than 40 million Americans and Canadians with drinking water.

To enjoy a great lawn and protect fresh water resources for generations to come, follow these lawn care tips from the experts at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Alliance for the Great Lakes:

* Strong, dense lawns can help reduce run off and erosion, and filter rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies. The foundation of a good lawn is rich soil, so use a mulching mower to return grass clippings to the soil where the clippings break down and recycle nutrients back into the grass.

* Generally, only new lawns require additional phosphorus for root growth. For mature lawns, choose a fertilizer that is low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for more.

* The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall. Never fertilize when the ground is frozen.

* Use a drop spreader or rotary spreader with a side guard to keep fertilizer on the lawn.

* Sweep any grass clippings and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn to help keep nutrients out of waterways.

* Set your mower to its highest setting to build strong, deep grass roots that can find water and nutrients. Longer grass can also better withstand periods of heat and drought.

* If your lawn is dry, the best time to water it is in the morning. Water easily evaporates in the afternoon and watering at night can cause fungus and disease.

* When lawn problems arise, select the right product for the task. For small problems, use a spot treatment. For numerous problems throughout the yard, use a broadcast application.

* Use native plants in your landscape and garden. These plants are adapted to your area and better able to tolerate adverse conditions and resist disease.

* Avoid application when rain is in the forecast, as heavy rainfall can overwhelm soils and cause fertilizers to be washed into waterways.

* Storm sewers often lead directly into streams and lakes. Never dispose of clippings or pet waste in or around sewers or water resources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Make it a habit to sweep up any fertilizer, grass clippings and leaves.

For more information and water-safe lawn care tips, visit LawnsandLakes.com.

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For starters, growing green plants is the best thing you can do to clean the air. And grass is better than other plants — even trees — at removing carbon and other impurities from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, grass takes carbon from the air and stores it in the ground. Ongoing studies at The Ohio State University indicate that as a result of this natural process, your well-cared for lawn removes and stores twice the amount of carbon from the air in a year than a tree can in 10. The stored carbon then helps build rich organic matter in the soil that helps purify water and gives grass a fertile base to thrive.

Thriving lawns keep enriching the soil by providing a home for beneficial micro-organisms and insects. These good critters eat nature’s leftovers — like decomposing grass clippings, plant leaves and other vegetation — and recycle nutrients back into the soil. They also pollinate plants and serve as food for other animals, making grass an important part of nature’s cycle. 

And did you know that summertime air temperatures above lawns can be up to 30 degrees cooler than above paved areas? Grass is like a natural air conditioner that cools the air as it releases water vapor through its blades. The water evaporates and draws heat, cooling the air in the process. As a result, lawns are a safer surface for children to play on and provide the cool comfort we desire on hot days. 

“Homeowners are hearing conflicting messages about lawns and the environment and, as the authority on lawn care, we recognize our responsibility to give them the information they need to make informed decisions,” says Rich Shank, chief environmental officer for ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Caring for the environment starts in our own backyards, and growing a strong, thriving lawn is simple and safe. When we care for our lawns we help build a cooler, cleaner environment — and an inviting space for our families to enjoy.” 

The reasons to love your lawn are many. And with good care, like following the tips below, lawns contribute to your family’s well-being and our environment. 

1. Feed regularly with products made for lawns. 

Feeding 3 to 4 times a year makes your lawn strong and full of life. A strong lawn is better able to tolerate stresses like heat, drought and insects. It crowds out weeds, can fend off most diseases and is better able to contribute to the environment. Use a fertilizer made for lawns like Scotts Turf Builder. All-purpose fertilizers like 10-10-10s apply more phosphorus than your lawn needs — up to 6 years worth in one application. 

2. Follow label directions. 

Lawn fertilizers are designed for best results when applied according to package directions. Applying too much product won’t improve results, but it will put down more nutrients than your lawn needs. So why over-feed and waste fertilizer? 

3. Conserve water. 

Water is an important component for a healthy lawn, but only water your lawn when it needs it. If your lawn dulls in color or begins to wilt, then your lawn needs water. 

Make sure to sweep any fertilizer that lands on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn. This keeps nutrients where the grass will use it — and out of our waterways. 

4. Mow smart. 

Lawns that are mowed high have deeper root systems that can reach water and nutrients in the soil better. Use a mulching mower and leave grass clippings on your lawn. Clippings will break down and recycle nutrients back into the soil. 

For more facts about lawns and ideas for enjoying them visit www.LoveYourLawn.us. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Fixing some bare spots on the lawn or filling out thinning grass requires the right type of seed, a little know-how and the patience to, literally, watch grass grow.

“Even the most well-cared-for lawn can develop a bald patch here or there over the winter,” says John Marshall, manager of The Scotts Training Institute for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. “And if your turf has multiple bare spots or is just thin all over, proper seeding can be the solution for your lackluster lawn.”

Paying attention to four factors when seeding can help turn your lawn from flop to fabulous:

Timing is Everything

Many people wait until warm weather to turn a critical eye on their lawn, even though the very best time to seed is in the fall. But seeding can successfully spruce up your spring lawn — if you start early enough.

Even if you suspect your region may experience one or two more frosts before spring, go ahead and seed. “Cold will not hurt grass seed,” Marshall says. “Better to seed too early than too late.”

If you’re unsure of proper timing for your area, check with a local lawn expert or university extension program for advice.

Prepare the Ground

Failing to prepare the ground to receive seed is one of the top mistakes homeowners make, Marshall says. If you are seeding bare spots or dead areas, take a rake and scratch the spot until you see more dirt than dead grass. In order to take root, grass seeds must be in direct contact with soil.

If you’re overseeding an entire thin lawn, rent a core aerator or slit seeder and go over the lawn first in order to achieve the best possible seed/soil contact.

Choosing the Right Seed

Watering deeply and infrequently is the usual recommendation for an established lawn, but a newly seeded lawn requires more watering than usual because grass seed dies when it dries out.

In order to get the most out of your grass seed, opt for a seed, such as Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with Water Smart, that helps create a good looking lawn with less water. The seed is wrapped in a super absorbent coating that actually holds water to keep the seed moist even if a day of watering is missed. The coated seed will require water once a day and possibly even every other day depending on the climate where you live. Hotter regions may need more frequent watering.

Non-coated seed, by contrast, requires watering multiple times each day in order to keep the seed wet. “When grass seed dries, it dies,” Marshall says.

Caring for Your Grass Seedlings

Once your grass seedlings appear, some simple steps can help you care for your growing lawn, including:

* Fertilize the lawn — Remember to fertilize the same day you seed. After that, for most areas of the country, it’s OK to fertilize your lawn every two months during warm weather.

* Keeping off the grass– Contrary to popular belief, simply walking on grass seedlings isn’t likely to do much harm, but it’s a good idea to avoid walking on them if possible. If you’ve seeded in a high-traffic area it’s a good idea to rope off the spot until the seed is well established — usually after the first mowing.

* Mowing is good for your grass seedlings – Once grass seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches in height, it’s time to mow them. Marshall recommends setting your mower on one of the two highest settings. Trimming the top off new grass actually encourages it to grow laterally, spreading out to fill thin areas.

For more tips on successful seeding and general lawn care help, visit www.scotts.com or call Scott’s consumer help line at (888) 270-3714.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Follow these four fast, simple fall lawn-care steps to promote a greener, better-looking, lush lawn next season:

1. Loosen up and Let it Breathe

Your lawn needs air to grow. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t see the grass due to leaf coverage, then it’s time to remove the lawn debris from the yard. Clearing leaves and clippings in the fall will help by removing the clutter that keeps air and sun from reaching the growing grass.

Aeration and dethatching loosen up the lawn, promote deep root growth, and reduce soil compaction that can keep grass from developing roots deep enough to absorb rainwater. Tackling these tasks in the fall can help ensure the health and beauty of your lawn come spring.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to avoid the hard work of traditional aeration and dethatching methods. LazyMan Liquid Gold, an all-natural, spray-on product, aerates and dethatches soil without mechanical means. It also conditions the soil at the same time.

LazyMan Liquid Gold uses polyelectrolytes, with their positive and negative electrical charges, to loosen up the soil. This allows air, water and nutrients to enter the root zone more easily. The product also contains microbes to feed on dead plant material that contains thatch as well as a soil conditioner made of kelp, humic acids and mycorrhizae (fungi that help plants absorb water and nutrients). Visit www.outsidepride.com to learn more about LazyMan Liquid Gold and other lawn care products.

2. Drive Out Drought Damage

Summer’s drought leaves many lawns across the country straw-colored and dormant. To help your lawn recover during and after drought, fertilize it every eight weeks with a slow-release fertilizer. A lawn that has the proper nutrients grows dense and deep and will green up faster. A regularly fed lawn will also be healthier and thicker than an unfed lawn. Couple feedings with infrequent, deep watering to promote deeper roots and offer a larger reservoir of water to draw from.

3. Continue to Feed the Need

Even lawns not stricken by drought need nourishment in the fall. Fall feeding can bring dramatic improvements as the lawn recovers from summer damage. Fertilizers help “winterize” the lawn, storing vital nutrients so that underground root development can continue until the ground freezes to ready the lawn for fuller growth next spring. Two feedings — timed around Labor Day and the end of October — are recommended for northern lawns, while southern lawns are best-fed four to six weeks before the first frost occurs.

4. Always Overseed

Once the lawn is aerated and dethatched, look for weak spots in it. Overseeding, the spreading of grass seed directly onto soil within an existing lawn, can improve a lawn’s appearance dramatically and eliminate the need for a total lawn renovation.

Early fall is the prime time to overseed because the warm soil promotes rapid seed growth and typically, fewer weed problems emerge during this time of the year.

The day before you overseed, be sure to mow the lawn slightly lower than normal and use fertilizer when you seed. For the next several weeks after overseeding, keep the top inch of soil moist to permit growth.

If you follow these simple steps and don’t neglect much-needed fall lawn care, you’ll be amazed at the difference in your lawn next spring. Fall lawn care is your window to a spectacular spring and summer lawn next season. So “loosen up” and lay the lawn care groundwork this fall.

For more information on fall lawn care, lawn care products and a wide variety of grass seed, please visit www.outsidepride.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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As you look at your own lawn, with the weeds and brown spots, you wonder where you went wrong. After all, you were out there mowing as much as your neighbors were last year.

Well, time to let you in on a little secret. Not only did those neighbors you envy so much spend time mowing their lawn, they also dethatched their lawn, aerated it, used a rototiller to turn up the dead patches and reseeded, and they also carefully re-edged along the sidewalks before winter set in.

Sound like an expensive proposition? It would have been had they hired a lawn service, or bought all the tools they needed, but they did the entire project themselves with rented tools.

According to the American Rental Association (ARA), more and more people are turning to rented equipment and tools for their home improvement projects. Not only does renting offer significant cost savings, it is convenient as well. When you rent tools, you don’t have to worry about equipment maintenance or storage. You will also be able to take advantage of expert advice from a rental professional. These trained professionals will be able to guide you in the right direction and give you tips on how to operate the equipment in the safest and most effective way. They can also help you select the correct tools for your project.

For example, if you visit your local rental business and say your lawn is looking sparse and brown, they’ll tell you that thatch — the layer of interwoven grass, leaves and stems that blocks water and nutrients from reaching the roots — is the likely culprit.

To pull out the old thatch, you’ll be urged to rent a dethatcher, also called a power rake, which will remove the tangle of grass clippings, leaves and stems that have collected in your grass.

The next step will be to rent an aerator, which is a gas-powered machine that actually pokes holes in the earth and removes cores of dirt as it goes. The holes allow nutrients, air and moisture to penetrate your lawn’s root system. Once that’s done, you’ll need to get out there and tackle the weeds.

If you have any patches that are all weeds and no grass, you can use a rototiller to turn up the ground and then reseed. You’ll also want to rent an edger once or twice during the season to give your lawn that well cared for look.

With a little effort and some cost-effective rental tools, your lawn may just become the pride of the neighborhood.

For more ideas on using rental equipment for improving your lawn, and to find the rental store nearest you, please visit www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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After your last cut of the year, a fall feeding provides the nutrients your lawn needs to withstand the harshest weather. Choose a wintercare fall lawn fertilizer for the best rate of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K).

“The fall application of fertilizer makes a big difference to the health of your lawn come spring,” says Kathy Russell, the lawns expert at Scotts Canada. “Regular feeding promotes healthy root growth and a healthy lawn is better able to crowd out weeds and resist other pests, so you’ll have less maintenance overall.”

Most people fertilize once or twice a year, but feeding your lawn four times a year is recommended by agronomists as optimal for most lawns. Choose a slow release, all-in-one particle fertilizer and make sure the fertilizer is applied on the lawn only by using a drop spreader, or one with an edgeguard technology that helps to prevent the fertilizer from landing on driveways and other hard surfaces.

If you prefer an alternative fertilizer for your pets or family, choose Scotts EcoSense Natural Lawn Fertilizer 10-1-5, one in a new line of alternative products that provides families with options to conventional lawn and garden care products. More lawn care tips are available online at www.scottscanada.ca or www.scottsecosense.ca.

“Your lawn makes an important contribution to the environment, cooling the temperature around your home, absorbing pollutants and providing oxygen, so it’s well worth taking care of,” adds Russell, noting real estate experts estimate quality landscaping can add 10 to 15 per cent to the value of your home.

Did You Know?

Lawns make an important contribution to the environment:

. Healthy turf traps pollutants and absorbs carbon dioxide, resulting in cleaner air.

. A 50 foot by 50 foot lawn provides enough oxygen every day for a family of four.

. Urban areas can be 4° to 7° Celsius warmer than rural areas. Healthy green spaces are dramatically cooler than asphalt, helping to cool the environment around your home, reducing energy costs related to air conditioning in the summer.

. Grass and ornamental trees and shrubs can absorb sound, reducing noise levels by 20 to 30 per cent.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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