Make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood

(StatePoint) - It's a great source of pride for homeowners: immaculate lawns beaming with healthy grass, sharp color, and uniform thickness.

Fortunately, you don't need an encyclopedia's worth of expertise to turn your skimpy yard into a gorgeous lawn worth showing off to the neighbors.

"A lawn-care regimen is important," says Roger Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at Agri-Fab, a leading manufacturer of lawn care products. "But in recent years homeowners have been opting out of expensive landscaping services and looking to DIY tools that are affordable and easy to use."

A gorgeous lawn won't grow on its own. Luckily, a few helpful tips and tools can make it much easier to do without hired help or the backaches associated with tools of the past:

Ready, Set, Mow

Maintaining a proper mowing routine is key to a healthy lawn. Grass is typically ready to be mowed once it reaches a height of about three inches. Before bringing out the mower, make sure it's in proper working order.

If you use a rider mower, change its motor oil and spark plugs while cleaning the filters, lubricating the wheels and sharpening the blade. Riding lawn mowers can be used for more than clipping grass. A wide range of attachments such as lawn sweepers and rollers can complete common lawn care chores.

Sow the Seeds

Reseeding areas of your lawn that might have trouble is particularly important at the beginning of warmer seasons.

While this helps repair damaged parts of the lawn, doing it with a proper spreader can ensure the seeds stay moist and the lawn grows in evenly.

When it comes to planting, plan ahead. Bulbs are particularly versatile and add some nice color to your overall look.

To Aer is Human

Grass and plants don't just require water and the occasional trim. Punching holes in the soil to properly aerate allows for greater fertilizer absorption.

Water and air circulation also help prevent the spread of fungus while promoting healthy microorganisms that keep lawns vibrant. Gauge your yard's need for aeration by poking a screwdriver in its soil. If it doesn't penetrate easily, you will need to aerate.

Down the Thatch

Thatch can hide between layers of soil and prevent water and nutrients from reaching a yard's root zone. Left untreated, it can help pests and diseases spread. Investing in a good dethatcher can bring thatch to the surface and keep it from becoming a problem.

For information about affordable lawn care tools, visit www.agri-fab.com.