Quote:
Originally posted by NeoStarO1
Thanks Martoch,
Page was also last updated in march of 99. |
So just what are you trying to say???
Ok, so I didn't notice how old the link was...but hey, are you saying WAY back in '99 they didn't know how to treat lawns?
Here's some advice I just thought of...really, I did...I didn't copy/paste it I swear.
The perfect home doesn't always come complete with a perfect lawn. But with proper care, an ailing lawn can be brought back to life and become the envy of the neighborhood, so here are some lawn care and mower maintenance tips:
Fertilize
Rapid spring growth steals a lot of nutrients in the soil, so it's best to replace the missing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with lawn fertilizer. Feed the lawn about a month after it starts growing and then feed it again about a month before it goes dormant. Use a top-quality fertilizer with a high percentage of slow-release nitrogen. Doing so encourages a deep root system, and deep roots are the key to a healthy stand of grass.
Water correctly and fight weeds
Look for clues to know when to water. The leaves will curl to conserve moisture and will turn bluish-green. When you walk across the lawn and look back, you will see your footprints. When you discover these signs, give your lawn a long drink of water.
For healthy roots, water infrequently but water deeply, which trains roots to grow deep in the soil for strength. Deep roots help your lawn better survive a hot dry spell. By the time you see crabgrass leaves, the battle with this weed is already lost for the season. Crabgrass can only be fought with a pre-emergence herbicide before the crabgrass seeds germinate and sprout. How do you know when to spray? Watch for the forsythia bushes in your neighborhood to bloom (these upright growing bushes have bright yellow blossoms that appear very early in the spring). If no forsythia bushes are in sight, call your local nursery for advice.
Dandelions are broadleaf weeds. Wait until after they sprout and have leaves, and then hit them with a post-emergence herbicide. This weed killer is absorbed into the leaves and is circulated down into the root system. You get the best results in spring when the weeds are growing.
Mow
Mowing is healthy because it trims away the oldest part of the plant and also encourages a lawn to spread and thicken to choke out weeds.
Mow on the high side. A higher cut helps ensure a deeper root system. For bluegrass and fescue, mow at about 3 to 3 ½ inches. For Bermuda and centipede grass, mow at 1 to 2 inches. Mow St. Augustine grass at 3 inches. Before you even start the mower, walk your lawn and search for objects that could be thrown by the mower blade.
When mowing a steep slope of grass with a lawn tractor, mow up and down for greatest stability. With a walk-behind mower, mow side to side. That way, if you trip and fall, the mower is less likely to tumble on top of you. If the hillside is really ominous, get creative and plant a ground cover instead. Don't compromise your safety.
Maintain your mower
A well-maintained mower is not only safer; it will also serve you longer. Read the operator's manual and follow these tips.
Mud and stuck-on grass clippings can alter your mower's performance, so give your mower a bath with the outside hose, and then check for loose hardware.
Drain the old crankcase oil and replace it with clean oil. Also replace the oil filter and fuel filter according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
If your mower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. Use a socket wrench with a deep socket to unscrew the old plug. After you pull it, inspect the porcelain area for cracks. If it's damaged, replace it. If the electrode end is dirty, clean it, and then be sure to set the gap for the proper distance. The operator's manual should give you all the information you need.
If your mower has an electric starter and the machine is slow to start, it may be time to recharge or replace an old battery. Examine the electrolyte level. The level should be 1/4th inch above the plates and not up to the filler tube neck. Always use distilled water to refill a battery.
Use regular unleaded gasoline with 87 octane. For two-cycle engines, you'll have to mix the gas with oil according to the manufacturer's directions.
Don't sharpen your mower blade to a razor's edge because the metal edge will crack and peel back and will shred (not cut) your grass.
Last updated August 18, 2003 
that is a godo thing. 
So we are just trying to make the best out of a crappy situation and doing the front lawn was more like a temp fix so we wouldn't feel so depressed looking at dirt. 
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