How To Get The Perfect Yard

Yard Day

Well It’s time we get the lawn and flower beds ready.  The lawn should be raked to get up all the dead grass and leaves from the fall.  Fertilizer should be spread and after a rain or watering, mow the grass. Flower beds should be tilled up and also fertilizer should be applied.

Just The Facts

Seeding is best when done before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.  Any good quality seed is okay but I prefer a perennial (rye grass) seed because it grows well in New England and is preferred by many golf courses.  When seeding, always use a starter fertilizer and lime (about 80 lbs per 5000 square feet) and mulch (straw) on top of the seed.  On established lawns, the Scott’s 4 Step program works well because it gives you the proper nutrients and the protection you need with little guess work.  Mow the lawn low in wet weather and high in dry hot weather to prevent burnouts.  You can never go wrong with watering but when watering always soak the lawn well.  A light watering is not recommended.  Finally, keep the mower blades sharp.  Dull blades will rip the lawn instead of making a neat cut.  You should sharpen the blades at least two times a year. 

Take yard maintenance in account when you are buying a home.  If you buy that two acre lot that is mostly grass, be ready to take the time and money to keep up the grounds.  That is why a smaller city lot could be attractive to the busy person.  You can still have a nice yard but there will be less time devoted to maintenance and more time on your days off to enjoy your yard.

Why

This is always a good question.  If you are going to have a lawn and flowers, why not try to make them look good.  Heck, if you are going to take time all summer to mow the lawn, why not mow green grass instead of weeds.  It takes the same amount of time.

Your Blue Thumb Builder, Bill