Lawn Care Tips: How To Get More Mileage From Your Lawn And Landscape

(HIT) - How enthusiastic are you about giving your lawn and landscape a spring tune-up? According to Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, it’s a lot easier to get excited when you consider all the benefits it can bring.

“Working to improve the green space in your environment has paybacks for everyone,” Gardner says. “Not only can it add attractiveness and extra value to your home, it also provides ways to promote energy savings, reduce pollution, and improve your lifestyle benefits for mom, dad, the kids, your pets and more. Plus, for those who are do-it-yourselfers, it’s great exercise.”

Don’t know where to start? Here are some spring checkpoints:

Improving Your Lawn:

• Inspect for signs of damage from last season’s weeds and insects, and reseed where necessary.
• Remove any excess thatch and aerate to reduce soil compaction and improve moisture and nutrient absorption.
• Apply a good starter fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen and, if needed, a pre-emergence herbicide to control weeds.
• Get set to mow properly with a blade that’s freshly sharpened and set high. In addition, if you have an underground sprinkling system, make certain it’s working properly.

Remember: A thick healthy lawn produces oxygen for the atmosphere, acts as a living filter to prevent pollutants from entering groundwater, and prevents harmful runoff into streams and lakes.

Improving Your Landscape:

Pruning: To get the most aesthetic and environmental benefits from trees and shrubs, pruning is essential—but technique and timing are critical. If in doubt get professional advice about when and how to prune and the right equipment to use.

Mulching: In late spring mulch around trees and shrubs to conserve moisture, reduce maintenance and protect against equipment damage.

New Plantings/Design Changes: Studies continually show that investment in good landscape design can be more than recovered by the rise in the perceived value of a home. In addition, plant placement and maintenance can be definite factors in saving energy and conserving water.

For information about the economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits of green spaces access http://www.projectevergreen.com/resources/index.html or consult your local landscape professional.

About Project EverGreen

Headquartered in New Prague, Minn., Project EverGreen is a national non-profit organization representing green industry service providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies, other organizations and individuals. Project EverGreen’s mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play.

Project EverGreen is conducting a national media campaign to inform U.S. consumers on the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses and parks. Please go to www.projectevergreen.com for more information.