Inch Green
Inch Green
Green Lawn Basics
Are you dreaming of a lush, velvety green lawn? Achieving this is not as hard as you may think. Although the quickest and easiest way to make this dream come true is by laying sod, there are other ways if you stick to a good plan. First and foremost you must select grass that will work the best in your climate and for your soil conditions. After that the key is simply regular, scheduled lawn maintenance by ensuring appropriate mowing, watering, fertilizing and weed control.
Always keep the blades on your lawn mower sharp so you get a nice, clean cut. A dull blade can tear up the grass blade tips causing stress and promoting disease in your lawn. Avoid the heat of the middle of day while mowing. It is best to try early morning or after the sun starts setting.
Mow the lawn to an approximate 3 inch height to achieve deeper, stronger roots that are resistant to disease and drought. When mowing your grass to this longer length, do not bag the clippings. Instead leave the cut grass clippings in the lawn as it will act as a natural fertilizer and provide up to one fourth of the nutrients your lawn needs. If your lawn is too high, mow it in stages to get it to the proper height. Cutting more than half the length of the grass during one mowing will shock the grass. Also, do not mow your lawn when wet.
Your lawn needs approximately one inch of water, enough to reach the roots, at one time and it should usually be sufficient to do this twice a week depending on where you live. Remember deep watering instead of frequent watering encourages root growth. Water in the early morning or early evening but never while the sun rays are powerful as this will prevent deep soaking and the water droplets on the blades may scorch the grass. Try not to let your lawn completely dry out between waterings. A sprinkler system, even a home made one, can really make this easier. If your lawn, or parts of it, is without any sunlight, it will die. If a section of the lawn is deprived of all sunlight due to branches or bushes try pruning so the grass receives some sunlight during the course of the day.
Create a compost heap with things like lawn clippings, raked leaves, fruit rinds, eggshells, coffee grounds etc. to feed your lawn. In any climate, spring and fall are the most important times to fertilize your lawn. Fertilize with natural soil improvers you may be able to pick up from your local town such as organic compost or manure. After fertilizing, make sure you water your lawn so that the nitrogen in the fertilizer does not burn your grass. Aerate your the lawn when it becomes impacted. Aerating is simply allowing air circulation to the roots done by making small holes all over yard. Although a healthy lawn is rarely 100% weed free, keep them under control so they do not take over your healthy grass.
Staying on top of lawn maintenance is far easier than fixing problems once they have taken root. Keep to your plan and I wish you a lush, green lawn.
About the Author
Ann is a home based business entrepreneur who researches and reviews many products on her site
Info From Ann
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Green Lawn
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Green Living Design That You Can Adopt
Interior Design is the single best experience in my life that has allowed me to experience fantastic creative energy each and every day. I must admit, however, that the move towards "Green Living Design" sometimes has me pulling my hair out.
Don't get me wrong, I've written many an article about the coming boon in Green Living Design and how we, as Designers, must be at the forefront of the movement. With that being said, I find that many of my clients often look at me with that "Deer in the headlight" look when I even casually mention the Green aspect of a Design element for their new home or addition.
It is not that most folks don't care; They do. It is that most feel that they are being handed a bill of goods because something is trendy or fashionable at the moment and can not have any direct implications on their lives in the present. "Going Green" is something that the Hollywood crowd does, not the average consumer.
That used to be true and, yes, in some quarters of "Green Design, " it still is. However, I have found that there are common elements that, if mentioned correctly, everybody can get behind from a Green standpoint.
So, what are the basic elements of some solid Green Living Design that most can see using in their lives? I will touch on four that if you are remodeling or building, can be done in that part of the design; Heating/Air units, HVAC, Wall design, Insulation elements and, finally, Door and Window design elements.
There has been an emergence of systems that use a "Forced Air" feature known as radiant space heaters. Many builders like the aspect of forced heating in that it eliminates a huge chunk of the duct work that must be used in a home design. Some builders, and many fire departments, like the aspect of a lower amount of duct work as it sometimes can aid in the spread of fires in a home.
Wall design has become something of interest, as of late, with the rising cost in energy prices. A lot of builders are liking the idea of walls that are a bit thicker in an exterior build. Many are looking at 12-inch-thick exterior walls with a high R value, which is the rating given a substance's thermal resistance. That gives you better energy values, and combined with better Green materials that go inside the walls, this could save a homeowner substantial money in overall energy cost.
Insulation elements continue to increase in the "Green" factor with some great cellulose insulation options available to consumers. Some of these ratings are as high as R-60, in some cases, and can greatly reduce the cost of running your home when it comes to energy.
Finally, doors and windows. This category is the one that seems to get the lease resistance from homeowners looking at new design elements. It seems that the industry has really taken the lead in this category by just explaining to the consumer, in terms that make total sense, that these design features can and will save them money. It seems that most homeowners have had a face-to-face confrontation with the dastardly windows and doors in their homes and immediately "Get it" when it comes to dealing with them. Still, some of the better energy saving features come at a price and can make many a home owner grimace when handed the bill.
So, there you are. Four design elements that are loaded with "Green Value," as I like to call it. Excellent ways to be a little more conscious about the environment in any Interior Design elements that you are considering and will help you move towards that ever elusive Green Living Design.
About the Author
DA Southern is a designer who learned the ropes as a set designer for theatrical productions and has taken what he has learned into all of his Interior Designs. DA blogs about design and the trends in the Design community from a Modern appeal. Catch him at his blog and see what trends seem to be moving the Design community and with the Greening of new Design.