Sep
Planting a Lawn That Will Last a Lifetime
Obtaining a fine lawn is usually a much more complicated matter than scattering seed or plucking weeds. Here is a plan for creating a long lasting & trouble free lawn:
1. Determining the characteristics you need - before you select your seed formula, take into account the use to which your lawn will be put. Will it be a general-purpose area or will it be a showplace in your garden where you will strive for a putting-green lawn?
2. Selecting the right seed - once you have determined the characteristics you want your lawn to achieve, pay a visit to your local independent nursery. Each geographic area is completely unique & requires local knowledge of growing conditions & climate. They should have a good knowledge of your area. Describe the ways in which you want to use your lawn & let them help you select the best grass based closely on your needs. There is more. They should also be easily able to tell you what the ideal soil make up should be for that particular grass.
3. Have your soil analyzed - your local agricultural extension office (usda.gov) will normally provide this type of testing & will give you instructions for collecting & sending in soil samples. There is more. They will then provide you with a report that shows the make up of your soil along with recommendations for nutrients & soil PH.
4. Add soil amendments - if necessary, based closely on the soil analysis, add the necessary nutrients to the soil & till them in thoroughly.
5. Sprinklers, drainage or grading - install any necessary sprinkler pipes & drainage systems & do the final grading.
6. Plant grass or lay sod - being sure to follow the instructions provided by the seller.
Except for lots where the living space outside is small & may have to be paved, the lawn will be the broad canvas on which you will paint your picture with shrubs, flowers, trees & walks. Keep it larger than any other area, certainly two or three times the width of your border areas & flower beds.
For more great landscaping ideas & resources visit http://landscapehints.com, a popular landscaping website that offers information, tips & free landscaping resources & advice.
