How to Have the Gorgeous Green Yard You've Always Wanted in Just 5 Easy Steps

Have you ever driven past a gorgeous green lawn and wondered how it was achieved? Perhaps a neighbor has a beautiful yard and while you envy the yard, you wondered where they found time to work on it. If this you, then don't despair. While having that verdant lawn takes work, it doesn't necessarily mean giving up every spare minute you have. In fact, once your lawn is established, it is merely an issue of maintenance. Since for many, the biggest challenge is just getting started, here are the basic steps in building the yard you have always wanted.

1. Think about how your yard is used-storing firewood/toys, backyard sports, bird watching, outdoor entertaining, etc... and then sketch out a yard plan with these features included
2. Go green to have green by implementing ways to make the most use of water. You may even wish to consider an irrigation system set on a timer. Other ways to conserve water involve: arranging the flower beds and shrubbery to take advantage of water that will run off higher elevations- in regions where there is minimal rain, many resident opt for a rain garden; another choice for conserving water is using buffer strips of mulch and natural vegetation around ponds or beside streams to help retain the moisture keeping your yard looking good even when there has been little rain or water restrictions are in place.
3. Have a soil test done to establish your soil's condition. This is done by taking a sample of soil in to your local agricultural agency. The results will aid you in selecting fertilizer types, the amount of compost, etc...
4. You will also need to determine your soil's type (sandy, clay...) and check for compaction. If the soil is tightly compacted, you will want to use a tiller, or hoe to break it up. As part of the breaking up process, be sure to wait until after a heavy rain or a deep watering as this will make the job much easier. Then do the following: 1) Use a landscaping rake to smooth the ground then add at least 3 inches of topsoil. 2) Make any adjustments to the soil-compost, fertilizer, nutrients, etc... and 3) Rake and smooth the area(s) to be planted.
5. You are now ready to plant your lawn. Be sure to talk to a local gardener or landscaper to learn what types of grasses grow best in your region. The US is divided into 3 regions (Cool, Warm and Transitional areas) and each of them has specific types of grass that excel in them.

After your lawn has been planted keep foot traffic to a minimum and water at least 4 times a day to encourage growth. Also, you won't need to mow your lawn until the grass is at least 4 inches tall and then be sure to only cut ½ to ¾ of an inch. Viola! You are now ready to enjoy a beautiful green yard!

Learn more about how to get that gorgeous yard or to receive a free estimate, visit Advanced Irrigation, Inc. of Minnesota. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Advanced Irrigation. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.