Quick And Simple Fixes For A Healthy Lawn This Summer

As Mother Nature is finally showing us a few signs of spring, homeowners can easily become overwhelmed by the winter damage or dull appearance of their yards.  But the answer is closer than you think and with just a few simple steps you can have a yard that is the envy of the neighborhood this summer.

Tune-up outdoor power equipment and gardening tools.
Are you guilty of letting outdoor power equipment get run down until it's almost worn out?  Getting regular maintenance performed on your power equipment will positively affect the appearance of the yard!  Plus it will improve your equipment's efficiency and extend the life of the equipment as well.  If you didn't already know, dull lawn mower blades will tear grass, rather than cut.  This will result in a yellow hue over your lawn from the damaged edges on your lawn.

Clear off debris from your lawn.
Remove pebbles, stones, branches and any other debris that might litter your lawn. Pay particular attention to the grass along sidewalks and driveways, which are areas most likely to have collected snowblower-thrown debris.

De-thatch and Aerate.
Thatch is that layer of dead grass laying on top of your lawn that prevents the grass from properly obtaining the nutrients needed to be healthy. Aeration is the process of creating passageways in soil for greater air, water and nutrient intake.

Fertilization and other lawn maintenance efforts will be ineffective until thatch is removed. You can save a few bucks and remove thatch with a basic rake or you might try renting a dethatcher. After dethatching your lawn be sure to aerate the lawn with a pitchfork or by renting a professional push or gas powered aerator.  Having your lawn power raked and aerated are great ways to improve your lawn's health and get your growing season off to a good start.

Fertilize with a strategy in mind.
Using the wrong fertilizer can very easily kill your grass, trees, shrubbery and other vegetation in your yard. Talk with local lawn and garden experts to determine the best fertilizer for your area.  Or you can purchase a soil testing kit from a hardware store or garden center (around 10 dollars) and measure your soil’s nitrogen, potassium and pH levels. Using that information coupled with your yard’s unique conditions (presence of sunlight and shade, regional climate and vulnerability to weed and pest infestations) to find the right fertilizer formula for your yard.

A lawn should be fertilized in the spring and fall. Package application directions should be followed closely.

Finally - Plan ahead.
Take time to consider what types of things will work best for your yard in the short and long-term future.  Taking time to plan improvements to your yard will save you time and money.

Source: Lowes Lawn Care Tips