Planthropology

Posted By on August 21, 2010

Besides perking up the elegance of your abode with a superb natural landscape, having a garden right in the comfort of your own home can actually slash a lot of bucks off your monthly grocery bill. From majestic perennials that will make your property even more vibrant in a sea of colors to multi-faceted herbaceous varieties that will make cooking truly divine, growing your own plants is definitely a great move to raise the bar on modern home remodeling. While a lot of renovating connoisseurs shy away from the subject, basic gardening can be quite easy as pie for beginners in terms of spending and effort. It only requires the right amount of space, the right tools and supplies, as well as the right enthusiastic mindset to absolutely get you going. Ready to bedroom furniture start working on the picturesque garden that you’ve always wanted? Here are a few useful tips and advice to help you get right on track in no time at all:Choose the best spot Selecting the most suitable site for your home garden certainly doesn’t need rocket science: it only requires a quick evaluation of where potential plants can have the most exposure to the sun in a day and an easy access for quick watering and mulching to keep your leafy friends in great shape. Although front lawns and residential pathways are some of the most popular gardening spots nowadays, try to keep foot traffic as light and minimal as possible. The right tools make the job easier Having the appropriate tools can definitely make your first time gardening experience a walk in the park, so make sure you stock up on the following basic plant propagation items without further ado: a big, durable rake, pruning shears that can stay sharp for days on end, a high-quality garden hose, a weeder, as well as a spade and a handy trowel. Throw in a pair of working gloves and a convenient wheelbarrow to top it off and you’re positively good to go. Get your garden alcohol rehab new york soil in shape Plants require nutrient-rich soil to grow as healthy and resilient to pests and diseases as much as possible. Although some types of soil are naturally abundant with organic enzymes that are loaded with vitamins and minerals, others call for a good dose of humus and composted material to produce the necessary nourishment plants need. Aside from a self-test, you can also send a sample to your local gardening center for pH level testing.Organize the plant bed Preparing the bed may be the toughest task of all when starting a garden. Since your chosen gardening spot will probably have some weeds or wild grass thriving on it, clearing them is a prerequisite before you can start planting anything. On a similar note, you can also place thick layers of wet newspaper over these along with 4 to 6 inches of healthy soil to allow them to eventually decay and serve as organic fertilizer for your plants.Identify the plants you’d like to grow Take time to note down the plants you’d like to have in your garden. Whether you are planning to raise ornamental flowers, aromatic herbs, vegetables or even a mix of the three, knowing what to propagate makes it easier to plan ahead. It’s best to start with the colors you admire, the ones you like to eat or those you can’t easily find locally. You can even check out your neighbor’s garden to find out what plant varieties can be successfully grown in your vicinity.The actual planting Most experts agree that the best time for planting is on a tranquil, gloomy day to avoid stressing the flora as much as possible. As for previously potted plants, relocate them with care and bury them to the depth they were situated earlier. Too much soil can force their stems to deteriorate while too little can dry out the roots fast. Also remember not to press down hard on the plants when settling them into the soil. Watering does the trick just as fine.Mulching the right wayAlthough mulching may sound as if it were a puffed up miracle technique to raise healthy plants, it really does make a huge difference. Besides preventing unwanted weeds to cultivate and effectively storing up water for seed growth, a generous application of mulch will also keep soil temperatures levels cool. Whether you prefer the plastic or organic variety, you will definitely improve your plants’ development quality at the drop of a hat.Garden maintenance Now that you’re finished with the tough jobs, sustaining your garden is a piece of cake. Aside from making sure to water your plants at least twice a week to allow them to save up at least 1 inch of moisture, periodically check your plants for any signs of pest infestation or natural diseases as well. Before you know it, you’ll have a charming garden even the most demanding modern homeowners would want to display in their respective abodes! A contractor and the owner of Designs by Manross, a cabinet finishing and decorative wall finishing company, John Manross wishes to capture web surfers’ attention with short, no-nonsense articles that either show how to complete a project or answer questions regarding a remodeling topic.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_ManrossView the original article here

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Posted By on August 25, 2010

If you are looking to install the strongest of fencing that’s made to last you should choose hand made close board using concrete posts and concrete gravel boards.

This type is the strongest wooden fencing available, the concrete posts and gravel boards will out last any wooden posts or gravel boards

Also if you treat the wooden fence in between the posts annually your fence will last in excess of 30 years or more

There are 2 formats that can be used 1 hand made where the slats of wood are attached individually or the type that slot down in the recess of the concrete posts

In both cases the wooden slats should run vertically and not horizontally

This type of fencing will way out last the standard lap panel fencing

This will not only ad value to your property but will give you trouble free fencing for many years to come taking the stress and worry away regarding your fencing

All the posts should be concreted into the ground ensuring a proper fixing that will not move

All the wood is pretreated so once installed you can just forget it far at least 1 year

95% of all customers choose this fencing as it speaks for its self, it is the best and will last for many years to come.

There are various pictures on our website highlighting this type of fencing.

Please feel free to contact us for an in depth explanation regarding this type of garden fencing.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

Spicing up the backyard or patio with an outdoor gas fireplace insert will door more than provide endless nights of backyard entertainment, it will also add to the d?cor of your yard and over all aesthetic appearance. If you have the existing space and are looking to create an exceptionally exquisite ambiance to the patio area, installing an outdoor gas fireplace will surely add something special.

Outdoor Cooking Authority recommends several brands and styles, as you look for the perfect decorative fireplace for backyard. There are many sizes to consider as you shop the selection available. It’s good to keep in mind approximately how much space you have available and if the fireplace will be used for cooking as well warming an evening on the patio. It is good to not that outdoor fireplace inserts can even be used throughout the colder months. An investment that last year round is always a good choice.

As you improve the appearance of your patio and backyard you will also increase the property value of your home. If the time comes to sell your home, having a beautiful, comfortable and inviting backyard is a perfect selling point.

One of the key benefits to your outdoor fireplace is that no venting is needed. The convenience of gas adds to the ease of use. Installation is easy and with a quick browse through all the available fireplaces, you are certain to find one within your budget.

It is important that you check local codes and laws. Some cities and towns may have certain guidelines to follow for installing an outdoor gas fireplace. For example it may need to be a specific distance from your home or other free standing structure. This information can be found in your city or town hall or with your local fire department. Once you know the details, let the shopping begin!

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

Almost all women are concern with their appearance and how the other people are going to appreciate them. It is always true for women because it is in their appearance where they get much of their confidence. However most of the women are not only concern with their appearance alone but as well as the appearance of their environment such as their house, rooms and even gardens.

Several women enjoy in making their gardens beautiful and unique by planting different types of colorful flowers. They often believe that their beauty must be consistent with their environment. It is also their way of removing the stress that they have gained from their works. It can also be considered as their hobby since they enjoy doing this type of activity.

Home gardens are very much popular with its vibrant and colorful flowers. There are different types of gardens. The design and appearance of a certain garden will depend mainly on the taste and preference of the owner. The choice of flowers as well as the garden equipments will also depend on how the intention of the owner.

Garden equipments are usually used in gardens to add some beauty on it. It aims to emphasize the different types of flowers and even the plain structure of the garden. There are types of gardens that are elevated and from the ground to emphasize the beauty of its structures. Meanwhile there are also types of gardens that are being landscaped to create a different view.

One of the best equipments used in beautification of a garden is the garden tractor. It is a type of machine that will allow you to maintain the proper grooming of your garden. It is a lot smaller compared to the traditional farm tractors. It is solely designed for gardens and other small areas where a machine is needed.

It is an advantage to use a garden machine since you will no longer need to clean and develop your yard or garden using your bare strength. It will save much of your time and most of all you energy. It is also wise to use a garden tractor since you are assured with its performance. You are very confident with the outcome of your garden because garden tractors are known for its accuracy and precision when it comes to gardening.

If you are very much concern with the environment and you are afraid of the air pollution that a garden tractor might create, you should not worry about it because there are type of garden tractors that are environment-friendly. Garden tractors that are safe for the environment are powered with a battery or electricity. These type of tractors are a lot safer compared to those that are powered with gasoline. This type of equipment is also very easy to operate. It is designed to ease the problems of women in terms of gardening. The best thing about garden tractors is that you can still enjoy enhancing the appearance of your garden without spending too much energy.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

I recently returned from a visit to my birthplace, New York City. I’ve returned many times in the decades since I left, and I appreciate this dynamic city’s quirks, challenges, energy, and demands.

Now I have two teenage daughters who join me on this ride. We visit every summer, and we spend at least one day in midtown. This visit, we headed downtown, to Greenwich Village and the East Village. Visiting these places once again makes me proud that I am a native New Yorker, but my absence created some rusty navigation skills. So when I led the girls up from the subway at 8th Street and NYU, I was a little turned around. We stopped in a tiny park and took a seat on an outdoor bench. It was time to get my bearings.

Tourists like us clustered around, drinking coffee and making their own plans. Eventually, I figured that Washington Square Park was behind us, and we headed off a few blocks to the east to start our downtown tour. One thing that I’m sure my daughters did not miss-an outdoor bench is sometimes a person’s home. A young man was taking a late-morning nap on the bench across the park from us.

The leafy park welcomed us a few minutes later, and I had a rush of the familiar. The park entrance was flanked by fenced garden and gave plenty of space to the visitors making their way through. Both sides of the walkway were lined with one long outdoor bench after another, barely an arm’s length from one to the next. The seating could have easily accommodated all the people visiting the park that busy morning.

We walked past a band that attracted a small crowd of listeners. We approached a grand fountain, walked under the famous Washington Square Park Arch, and headed toward NYU.

Broadway and the NYU bookstore was our destination. Everyone seemed to have some business much more pressing than we did-shoppers, students, and construction workers lined the streets. Taxis buzzed by, and each outdoor bench at the bus stops were filled with people waiting to get where they had to go in less of a hurry than the crowds filling the sidewalks.

After we made the stop at NYU, we continued down Broadway to another bibliophile destination-The Strand. Eighteen miles of bookshelves awaited my girls, and I knew we had to limit our visit to an hour; we could have easily been lost in there for the entire day. We passed a church on our way, and again, an outdoor bench or two populated the tiny fenced park that grew outside.

The next stop in our tour was the East Village and the shops that lined those streets. Vintage clothing stores abound, and while the girls searched the racks, I scanned the sidewalks for one of those ubiquitous New York City resting spots, the outdoor bench. When we resumed our walk, we passed a city school, with its familiar fenced playground-again, lined with one outdoor bench after another.

Our walk took us back to the subway, and we headed uptown to the Guggenheim Museum. While we walked up Fifth Avenue, Central Park lay across the street. Bus stops populated the opposite side of the street, each with the familiar outdoor bench, and each entrance into the park let us glimpse into the beloved gathering place for New Yorkers. And right inside each entrance was the ever-welcoming outdoor bench.

People equate many images and objects with New York City-taxis, skyscrapers, bright lights and busy sidewalks. After my family’s walk that summer day, the outdoor bench as my personal touchstone.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of numerous niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to renew your deck or patio with patio furniture or create the ultimate living environment with Adirondack chairs that are perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Click today and indulge your senses.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

The concept of installing synthetic or artificial turf is becoming a more widely accepted idea for homeowners in San Diego County. People used to have visions of funny looking and feeling astro turf which resembled more like green concrete, but these days the technology has become increasingly realistic looking and feeling.

There are also residents considering artificial turf who are currently maintaining their natural front and back yards. Real grass can be many times difficult to maintain, manage, feed, weed and water. Throughout San Diego County, where the various water districts such as Vallecitos or Helix are limiting the consumer’s use of water, artificial turf is becoming an increasingly positive option.

Other benefits to installing synthetic turf include the lack of pesticide use, making it a good choice for those who are more environmentally conscious. Because the turf material tends to be made of recycled materials, and doesn’t have any nutrients normally appealing to bugs and critters like rabbits, you won’t have to battle these natural elements anymore in your yard.

If you go online or open the various home improvement magazines distributed in San Diego you will notice quite a lot of San Diego turf companies promising to install the best lawn at your home with the best quality materials and the lowest price. Don’t be fooled by low prices and installers who are not only not qualified to make a proper installation, but oftentimes aren’t even technically hired by the company. Many companies either use subcontractors or even day workers picked up locally in different neighborhoods of San Diego.

As you do your homework, make sure the companies you are considering are licensed, bonded, and insured for your maximum protection. They should also carry a contractor’s license issued by the State of California allowing them to perform work specifically as it relates to the handling and installation of synthetic turf. Don’t trust contractors with general licenses or licenses which have nothing to do with that specific industry.

It is also a good idea to request multiple residential locations where a specific company has made installations so you can see the quality and end product. If you visit an installation made some time ago, you can see how it holds up over a longer period of time.

it is a good idea to review and speak with references as well as checking in with the San Diego Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no outstanding claims on a company and to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

Porch skirting is one way to improve the overall look of a home while increasing property values. This is also a relatively easy and cheap way to improve the overall look of a home from the road. These panels come in a variety of different materials and have several patterns. Be sure that ventilation is accounted for so that moisture cannot accumulate under the deck, causing it rot.

Deck skirting is a good idea because not only does it make the home look nicer, it is also a way to keep pests out from under porch areas. Setting up these little walls will make sure that rodents of all sizes and other animals don’t get under porches where they have been known to live. Dealing with a raccoon nest, a badger, or a skunk is never fun.

Now that the practical benefits have been highlighted, it is important to show the different kinds of skirting that can be added to the home. One of these kinds is basic wooden skirting, which is probably the easiest to apply to other wooden decks and patios. This material can be stained for protection and painted any color to match any home.

For a more upscale and traditional look, people can add brick skirting to the exterior of the home. This can be a bit pricey because it will require some masonry work, but does increase the property value of the home. However, people will have to pay an experienced mason to do this work because ventilation of the porch area must be done correctly to protect the integrity of the area.

Finally, metal skirting is also a viable option that can be used. Between wooden, brick, and metal, metal is usually used to surround most mobile homes in trailer parks. This is because they can be made to match the metal quality and color of the exterior of the mobile home. People should really use this material if they live in a mobile home to prevent critters from destroying the bottom of a trailer.

By adding porch skirting to the exterior of the house, homeowners choose a practical way to keep unwanted pests from getting under their decks while increasing their property value. Remember that ventilation should always be accounted for as collecting moisture can rot a deck from the bottom up. Be sure to choose the deck skirting that best matches with the style of a home.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

Plants and flowers are a big part of our lives. Don’t you just love walking into a restaurant or home, and seeing the lovely greenery and flowers?

Indoor house plants can give you a feeling of happiness and serenity too. Plants and flowers are not just for the inside either. Many people are now decorating their yards with plants that are artificial.

Indoor house plants can bring about moods and feelings, but outdoor plants can make a statement!

Decorating outdoors with artificial plants is really fun. Silk plants look the most realistic but others will do just fine. It is important to buy at least two sets of plants and flowers for the outdoors. The reason for this is simple. Although we have four seasons a year, you can basically break it down to the warm/hot and cool/cold seasons.

Outside artificial plants come in flowers, greenery, shrubs, and trees. Small trees about 5 feet tall with blossoms on it are fantastic in the yard. Potted plants and hanging baskets also make for beautiful outside decorations.

Once you plant or position your plants for the season, you are all set except for an occasional cleaning. Once the seasons start to change, you just take up the plants you have planted,and replace them with the new seasons.

Your yard will always look splendid and of course you don’t have to worry about watering, insects, or pruning. Decorating your home or yard with artificial plants will make your home a showplace.

Cleaning indoor house plants is easy. For small potted plants and flowers you just put them in a plastic or paper sack, sprinkle in some cornmeal, and shake. This will get most of the dust and dirt off. You can also buy spray on cleaning for ficus trees and larger items.

Cleaning your outdoor plants is even easier. Just gently spray them down the the water hose and if you want a better shine you can take a soft cloth and dry and rub the leaves.

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Posted By on August 26, 2010

A downspout is a pipe that attaches to gutters and runs along the exterior wall to direct water from the roof to the ground. Without working downspouts, water will be allowed to run down the outer walls causing damage to your home. When this happens it allows water to seep into cracks within the walls or around windows anytime it rains or has snowed. One potential problem that can occur is the clogging of your pipes from leaves and debris. It is important to have them checked regularly so that you can avoid this issue. Routine maintenance is simple and virtually easy to do yourself.

To ensure your downspout is working as it should, you should clean all the leaves and debris from the guttering. Once that is done, you can then use a hose and run water through the downspout to see that the flow is not being stopped by something. If the water hose fails to clear the pipe out, you can take the pipe loose from your home just by taking it loose from its holding brackets. Once the debris and possible clog is gone, it takes literally no time to place the pipe back within the brackets.

Aluminum downspouts is what is commonly used on most home’s today. It is more cost efficient and really no better than the other alternatives. You can reduce clogging of your downspouts by installing gutter guards. All that does is cover the gutters so that leaves and debris don’t collect and cause clogging. Also make sure the curved end of the downspout is angled away from your home and pointed in the direction of a good drainage area. This prevents water from pooling up against the foundation. Or you could extend your downspout into the ground directed into a dry well. The advantage of this is that you get the water even further away from the foundation. The downfall is that clogs below the grounds surface is hard to locate.

It is recommended that if you replace your roof then you should replace your water drainage system. That way your guttering and downspouts can be integrated in with the new roof and you don’t have to worry of adjustments with your existing gutters or downspouts. And now gutters can be cut so that they are the exact length of the roof, making it seamless. And most seamless gutters come with built in covers so the risk of clogs are minimal.

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Posted By on August 25, 2010

Downspout Diverters are used to direct water as far away as possible from the foundation of a home and to direct the water towards landscaped areas. Diverters fit easily on the existing downspout and don’t normally have a long installation process.

Flexible Diverter

A flexible diverter is made of a small expandable plastic tubing. A diverter may expand up to 25 feet. There are two ways a person can choose to leave the diverter. It can be buried with the end uncovered or simple left laying on the ground.

Preparation

To prepare to install a diverter, remove the elbow off the bottom of the downspout. A large number of diverters have a curved section that leads back to the straight piece.

Most downspout diverters are big and cumbersome. They can be seen from a distance, but there are some discrete ones that attach to the side of a home. Some are hand operated with a lever that allows the water to go back into the spouts when the rain barrels are full.

Others are automatic and appears to be a better system. Directing the water back into the downspouts is one way to deal with excess rain water. Another way is to let the rain barrels over run onto a garden.

Mosquitoes

These bugs could be a huge problem. Some diverters are sealed between the downspout and the inlet eliminating this problem. This is the preferred solution because it is simple and effective.

Some downspout diverters need barrels to be positions close to the base. This is also a way to hide the barrels. They can be placed in more discrete areas.

Not all diverters will have the same sized inlet. Some have same size as the downspout and are designed to make sure that large amounts of rainwater is directed to the barrel.

The diverter is becoming a top seller. Harvesting rainwater has become an epidemic. With the decreasing amount of fresh water throughout the world more and more people are trying to cut back. By harvesting rainwater someone could water their garden, take a shower, wash the dishes and even cook with it.

Diverters often have filters with them. This means that harvested rainwater can be filtered and used for drinking water. Not only is this a great way to recycle, but it saves people a large amount of money.

All together, there are many various types, shapes and sizes of downspouts. They all work uniquely to achieve the common goal of harvesting rainwater. Each different kind suits different individuals and their lifestyle.

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Posted By on August 25, 2010

Ok, let’s just say it, a water fountain is just too cool. Nobody can resist the temptation to stare at one if given the chance. It doesn’t matter if you are out in a garden, in an office lobby, or up in the woods watching a small brook bubble along. Water just holds a fascination for all people.

I once asked my kids if they had to choose between staring into a camp fire, and watching the flames and embers, or watching a fountain of water, which would they prefer. All four of them said they would rather look at water. When I asked them why, they said they weren’t sure, but that it just meant more to them somehow. We speculated that it’s because of our close connection to water in general. It just feels good to us.

A water fountain doesn’t have to be a big formal affair. Though those can be pretty spectacular. I remember as a kid going to pick up my Dad from work every day. He worked in a big office building in a large city. There was a large green park that surrounded a man made lake. Out in the middle of the water was a huge fountain that would shoot water up in the sky at random intervals about every 5-10 minutes or so. Watching water shoot in the air a hundred feet seemed pretty magical to a kid who stood all of 3 or 4 feet at the time. I always looked forward to returning the next day to witness it again and again.

A water fountains doesn’t have to be tiny either. But, even a small one can be quite a delight. I once had a small water fountain that was built into a plant container. It was actually a large ceramic bowl that had a dip bowl built into it. I arranged rocks and other decorations in the main part and put dirt with a plant in the small part. It looked pretty cool if I do say so myself.

One of the more original ideas I have seen for a water fountain is where there’s a watering can that looks like it has a suspended faucet above it that has running water coming out of it all the time. It is a fun illusion. All it is, is a pump in the bottom of the container with a hose going up to the faucet. You insert it into where the water normally comes out. That way, when the pump is running, the water appears to be running out even though there is no regular plumbing lines hooked up to it. Fun stuff!

A water fountain helps people create a nice element in their living spaces. Whether it is something large or small, inside or out, deluxe or simple, they all have a place. You can buy one, or make your own. They last for a very long time, are relatively inexpensive, and just plain fun to watch. If you think you want one in your life, don’t wait, for you will never regret it.

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Posted By on August 25, 2010

Not everyone can afford a lawn care service. If you care for your own yard, here are some tips from a lawn care professional, on how to keep your lawn looking beautiful.

1) Only cut 1/4″ to 1/3″ of the grass height off in a single cut. This will allow your lawn to be the healthiest with this technique.

The height in which you cut your lawn will depend on the type of grass you have and how much shading or exposure the lawn has to the sun. If after you mow, your grass goes from green to brown and dry looking, this is usually a good sign you are cutting too much off or cutting it too low.

2) Only water in the early morning. Set your sprinklers to run from 3AM – 5 AM. If you move sprinklers by hand, do it in the early morning. The sun comes up and drives out the lawn, so you do not have sitting water in your grass for long periods of time. Water lying in the grass through the night can contribute to grass disease and fungi, which may kill your entire lawn.

3) Depending on the soil, it is usually better to water for longer periods of time and fewer times per week. By doing this, you fill the soil’s “reservoir” and let the roots grow deeper to absorb the water as it is used up.

The opposite applies when the grass is watered shorter periods with more frequent watering. This creates a shallow root system for the grass which is not as healthy and easier to damage.

(If you live in a rocky area where topsoil has been filled in when landscaping, depending on how thick the layer of topsoil is, determines how much your soil will hold. You’ll need to assess your particular situation. Poor landscaping results in an unattractive lawn for years to come and usually is not a easy fix. It is worth doing it right the first time)!

4) Lawn bugs in the mid-western states usually become a problem in the mid to late summer. Common bugs in the west are billbugs and grubs. The larvae hatch and work their way to the surface, and then start feeding on the roots. Eventually, there is no root system left and all the grass dies. In the south, web worms, chinch bugs, and click beetles can be a problem, especially from watering the lawn at dusk and the water doesn’t dry up before the sun goes down.

If you see a lot of white moths flying over your lawn in the spring, they are adult webworms getting ready to lay their eggs. The webworms chew at the base of the stems of grass until the grass turns yellow and can eventually die. You can see them by pouring soapy water on a spot in your lawn and it will bring them to the surface.

Chinch bugs suck the moisture and sap from grass causing yellow patches that can spread quickly. They quickly move into lawns that are poorly tended and have thatch. They quickly chew away at the base of the grass causing the grass to die. Your lawn can be destroyed in a very short time, so treatment is needed very quickly.

The click beetle can also be a problem and is found were water is allowed to lie and grass stay moist. They feed on roots and are usually seen in May and June.

5) Aeration is good to do in the Spring and Fall, especially in rocky regions, such as the mid-western states with arid climates. By aerating, you loosen the compacted soil and allow nutrients and water to penetrate deeper and directly to the roots creating a healthier root system. This process can also help keep bugs out of your lawn.

6) Fertilizing is very important for maintaining a green and healthy lawn. You will notice there are three numbers on the fertilizer bag. They stand for Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. Nitrogen promotes top growth by creating more chlorophyll which makes your grass grow faster and require more mowing; phosphorous helps create and develop a strong root system, which is vital for a healthy lawn to be able to absorb sufficient water; and potassium which works like a defense mechanism that protects grass from disease and other harsh conditions, such as hot summers and harsh winters.

It is recommended to fertilize at least three times a year. Fertilize in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Spring allows your grass to green up and get “off on the right foot.” Summer fertilizing maintains your green lawn and gives it nutrients to endure the hot summer, and Fall to feed the roots during the winter months. Slow-release fertilizer is the best because it allows the grass to be fed slower and for a longer amount of time.

In Spring and Fall, the grass roots are growing the most because the temperatures are ideal and there is may be more precipitation. During the summer, lawns go into a survival state and preserve their resources and energy to survive the hot summers. Allow about ten weeks in between fertilizing to keep your lawn beautiful. If your fertilizer contains iron, make sure you sweep/blow off the concrete because it will stain the concrete. Iron makes your grass deep green.

Be prepared to start watering right away after the fertilizer is spread and keep lots of water on your lawn so it does not burn up with the fertilizer. Watering in the early morning is the best time of the day to water. Make sure you follow the directions on the fertilizer bag and it is recommended to buy the same brand spreader as the fertilizer that you have purchased. The spreader is designed to work well with the company’s fertilizer.

Follow these simple guidelines and your lawn will look its best.

Sylvan Gustin is a contributing writer for http://www.ldsjunction.com/ and President of Cutters Lawn Care in Provo – Orem, Utah and surrounding areas.

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