(NAPSA)—As the U.S. economy struggles, homeowners are doing everything they can to save money. Frugality is the trend for 2009. “The easiest way to save money is to do your own lawn care,” says Bayer Advanced garden expert Lance Walheim, author of “Lawn Care for Dummies.” “You could save hundreds ofdollars a year.” Taking care of your lawn is one important way to see more green, especially if you’re trying tosell your home. Your lawn has to have curb appeal; otherwise, prospective buyers will move on to the next house on their list. Here are some tips to keep your lawn in top shape: Mow weekly: Regular mowing makes your lawn look better and it’s easier to cut. Use a mulching mowerto restore nutrients to the soil. Make sure your lawn mowerblade is sharp. Set your mower at the recommended height for your grass type. Check for weeds while mowing: Weeds crowd out grass and steal nutrients. Spray them with a selective herbicide such as Bayer Advanced™ All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer (bayer advanced.com). It kills more than 200 broadleaf weeds such as chickweed, dandelions and clover, as well as many grassy weedslike crabgrass, so you don’t have to buy two different weed killers. Always read and follow label directions. (This product isn’t registered in New York or Hawaii.) e Water deeply: Water your lawn in the early morning as needed. How much? To a depth of Taking care of your lawn is one important way to see more green. six to eight inches to help the roots grow deeper into the soil. Measurethis by inserting a screwdriver into the soil until it stops. Local water departments can also provide watering guidelines. Fertilize at the right time: Warm-season grasses, like Ber- muda or St. Augustine, require fertilization in late spring. Coolseason grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, need to be fertilized in thefall. Rake leaves each fall: Leaves can smother grass, cutting off much-neededlight. Meanwhile, if your area is going through a drought, you'll need to fertilize less and set your mowerat the high end of the recommended range for your grass type. You should also water your lawn less frequently but to a depth of six to eight inches. And always abide by any waterrestrictions.
