How to Quickly Have the Most Beautiful Lawn on Your Block

Having the most beautiful lawn on the block is something to be proud of - but not if you become a weekend slave to its maintenance and care. Gardening is America's No. 1 pastime, but overdoing it can cause physical strain and exhaustion. How can you maintain your yard and still have time to enjoy it? Try these tips, they will reduce the time and labor you spend watering, mowing, pruning and fertilizing.

Reduce H2O: Whether by sprinkler system or garden hose, watering is a must for keeping lawns in tip-top shape. To reduce time (and money) spent watering, try planting native plants and flowers in your landscape - or ones that have proven durability. Group plants according to their water requirements, and plant thirsty ones close to a faucet or hose. This way, you can water these groups without saturating the entire landscape.

To reduce time spent pruning, don't crowd plants together - give them room to breathe and grow. Also, choose plants with dense growth patterns, which look great without pruning. In Northern regions of the U.S., try juniper or mugho pine.

Free-flowing, curved or rounded beds are much easier to care for than square or rectangular ones. Also, make use of large, homogenous beds - they're more attractive and easier to fertilize and water. Avoid the mow trap: As freshly mowed grasses look crisp and stylish, you might find yourself mowing every weekend (or more). Take care not to mow too often, however, as mowing at low levels can result in poor root growth. Without strong roots, grasses are more susceptible to drought, insects and disease. You might also consider planting a different type of lawn grass. There are several good choices that need less water and fertilizer, and are excellent resistors to wear and disease. In cooler regions, try Red fescue, tall fescue and improved perennial ryegrass.

Fertilize naturally. Heavily fertilized lawns are often green and lush, but also are prime targets for pests. To reduce the amount of fertilizer you use - and the amount of time required for application - try slow-release fertilizers, which nourish the landscape evenly over a longer period of time You can also save time and money by using a mulching mower and recycling law clippings, rather than bagging them for disposal. Clippings left on the lawn will enrich the soil and create a "natural" fertilizer for the grasses.

Sources:
Desciose, Joseph, Lewis Hill, and Nancy Hill The Flower Gardener's Bible: Time-Tested Techniques, Creative Designs, and Perfect Plants for Colorful Gardens 2003

Mellor, David R. Picture Perfect: Mowing Techniques for Lawns, Landscapes, and Sports 2001