Have the lawn of your childhood memories

(ARA) - From playing baseball to driving, grilling to mowing the lawn, your dad probably taught you many things in life. It's often dear old dad who took you out in the yard, and showed you how to care for the lawn and mow the grass. Need a refresher course? Here is how to take care of your lawn the way dad would want you to ... just like you remember from childhood.

* Tool time
Dad may have enjoyed jazzing up the tool shed with loads of power tools but things don't have to get that complicated to have great results with your lawn. Some essentials include a rake, a shovel or spade, a lawn fertilizer spreader, a garden hose, and a lawn mower. Depending on the size of your lawn, you may not even need a large mower. Old fashioned reel mowers are still available and work beautifully for smaller jobs. Regardless of what type of mower you have, you'll need to take it in for a blade sharpening before you use it. A sharp blade will ensure the best results on your lawn. There are many other tools available to assist with lawn care (weed whackers, power edgers, leaf blowers, etc.). While the endless list of power tools is fun, you can do everything you need to with minimal investment and just these few basics.

* There's no time like the present
When spring rolls around, we all want to get out in the yard, not just to work on it, but to live and play on it. Spring and early summer, when the temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees, are the perfect times to get your lawn into shape. Start with a good mowing and then assess the condition of your lawn. If need be, at this time you can reseed bare or thinning areas, prevent weeds and feed your lawn to get it ready for the long, hot summer months. Take note of the problems your lawn has and the end results you want, then head to your local garden center. Grass seeds and fertilizers don't have to be complicated. Many products need to be applied a few times a year for effectiveness. Combination products make life even easier. Products like Scotts Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control that incorporate lawn fertilizer and weed control encourage beautiful, thick grass, while clearing out dandelions and other unsightly weeds. Use a lawn spreader and follow package directions for application of these products.

* Rules to mow by
Lawn mowing doesn't have to be difficult to be effective. One of the best things you can do is to set your mower to its highest setting before you start cutting. Taller grass not only looks inviting and feels luxurious underfoot; it encourages healthier grass growth and discourages weeds. Keeping it slightly taller will help it build good roots, which go deeper to absorb water and nutrients. You can also boost the effectiveness of feeding by leaving grass clippings on your lawn to break down and recycle nutrients right back into the soil.

* Don't get all wet
Most lawns don't need much watering since rainfall generally provides adequate moisture. Grass doesn't need nearly as much water as shrubs or flowers therefore, unless you are seeding new grass or have dull wilted grass, you probably don't need to break out the sprinkler. In cases of drought, your grass will most likely become brown and dormant. This is not a bad thing since it will bounce right back after a good rain, especially if it is fed well in the spring. In fact, a well-fed lawn generally requires far less water than an unfed lawn to be lush and green because roots are more developed, improving its ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Follow these few words of advice and not only will you enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn but your whole neighborhood will appreciate it, even dad. Who knows, after this you may even be able to teach dad a thing or two.

For more great tips that will help you increase your lawn care knowledge and lead to a more beautiful yard, go to www.loveyourlawn.us.

Courtesy of ARAcontent