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You have heard the term “curb appeal” in reference to houses. In order to enhance your houses “curb appeal”, a great looking lawn is a must. Easily said, but how do you get and keep that great looking lawn? Here are some tips that are sure to create and keep a great looking lawn and enhance your houses “curb appeal”.

1. Fertilize on a schedule that is appropriate for your lawn and area of the country. Each type of lawn and area of the country will have different requirements. Check at your local lawn and garden for the expert on fertilizing your lawn. Most good fertilizers will also have instructions on when and what to apply for a great, green lawn.

2. Mow your lawn as high as you can during the hot summer months. This will provide protection from drying out and help shade the lawn. This saves on watering and helps to crowd out weeds. Lower heights during early spring should be fine as it is usually a wetter time of year.

3. Water 1″ to 1-1/2″ per week, depending upon rainfall amounts. Watering too much does not promote a healthy lawn. A good soaking once per week is much better for a lawn. Adjust the amount with the rainfall received that week.

4. Aerate at least once a year. This will promote root growth and allow fertilizer and nutrients to enter the root system more readily. It will also help prevent compaction.

5. Keep your mower blades sharp. This will prevent damage to the lawn and help it to grow back after mowing. Your local hardware store should provide lawn mower blade sharpening.

6. Mowing more often encourages your lawn to grow more thickly and lush. It will tend to grow more outward than upward. Mowing twice per week should be about right. Adjust for your type of lawn and weather conditions.

7. Set your mower to not cut more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass. This will also effect how often you should mow your lawn.

8. Mulch when you mow. This will provide nutrients to the lawn as the clippings break down. It will also provide water savings by having the mulch to absorb the water and keep the soil moist longer.

9. Try to mow different directions each time you mow. This will prevent compaction problems and ruts from the mower wheels.

10. Watch for dead patches of grass. This may be an indication of insect damage. Treatment with an insecticide should prevent this.

11. Control weeds with herbicides throughout the growing season. The best defense against weeds is a lush, thick lawn that crowds out weeds.

These tips should help you get the “curb appeal” of a nice green lawn in no time.