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29 · Friday, April 23, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Spring Home and Garden How to achieve the greenest lawn in the neighbourhood (NC)--It's that time of year once again ­ snow is gone, temperatures are rising and the yard is calling for some special care! And early spring is the time Canadians need to start undertaking the dirty work if they want to achieve the greenest looking lawn in the neighborhood. The Home Depot has compiled a tool kit of essentials for a healthy, vibrant lawn this spring. Dig in! 1. A power rake or lawn aerator ­ A layer of partially decomposed stems and roots, called thatch, can build up between the grass and soil. While it can be beneficial ­ conserving ground moisture, cushioning turf and insulating soil from extreme temperatures ­ heavy thatch (over 1/2 inch think) can repel water, dry up roots and provide cover for unwanted insects. Using a power rake or a lawn aerator comes in handy to control thatch. The lawn aerator will also pull cores out of the soil allowing water, light and air to enter and gradually break down the thatch. For more severe cases of thatch, a mechanical de-thatcher will take care of the problem. If you aren't in the market to purchase these tools, The Home Depot Tool Rental Centre can be a good alternative. 2. Compost ­ Once the job of thatch removal is complete, the soil needs to be prepped to create a better environment for roots to grow deeply and evenly ­ and soak up much-needed moisture and nutrients. Simply spread organic material over the lawn before seeding. No compost? Try BeatsPeat by Plantbest, an Eco Options alternative to peat moss. 3. Grass Seed ­ Don't overlook the importance of grass seed in your lawn care routine. Extra seeding can repair bare patches and create a thick lawn that can crowd out weeds and resist insects and diseases. Try Eco Options-certified Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed, and for optimal coverage use a hand-held spreader. Just remember, grass seed shouldn't be covered with soil as it needs direct sunlight to grow. 4. Water ­ One essential that doesn't require a trip to The Home Depot store in your community is water. Be vigilant and water seed daily, ensuring it stays moist for up to one hour per day and water new lawns early in the morning to avoid water being lost to germination. Proper water care in the early stages helps to conserve water once the lawn needs only to be maintained. Once you start to see the grass seed germinate you can reduce the amount of watering. When your lawn is established, water deeply only once a week (unless it has rained) with at least one inch of water to encourage healthy roots. 5. Fertilizer ­ Fertilizer can give your lawn an extra boost to thrive throughout the summer months ­ especially if you are late in giving it some attention. Fortunately, there are many environmentally-preferred fertilizers available to promote strong root development and reduce weeds. For more information on how to achieve a green lawn this spring, please visit The Home Depot store in your community or www.homedepot.ca. European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 C REATIVE S OLUTIONS F OR Y OUR C USTOM C ABINETRY · Closet Organizers · Wall Units · Entertainment Centres ·Wardrobes · Home Office · Fitted Cabinetry · Custom Shower · Glass & Mirror Work · Custom Kitchen Cabinetry · Granite Countertop ·Custom Bar Let us Simplify Your Life In Touch Interiors? · Proudly Canadian · Free Consultation · Free Installation · Computerized Drawing · Superb Quality at a Better Price WHY CHOOSE · Excellent Service Record · Showroom with great Display Units & much much more.... Commercial & Residential Services ~ Landscape Design ~ Spring & Fall Cleanup ~ Landscape Maintenance Programs ~ Snow Maintenance Programs We will beat Any Competitor's Price by 10% *Custom closet only, must be a written quote and similar products For more design ideas, visit our factory showroom at: 2905 Argentia Rd, Unit 8 Mississauga, ON L5N 8G6 TEL: 905 542-0033 · FAX: 905 542-0013 TOLL FREE: 1 866 436-0033 www.intouchinteriors.ca A division of 905.208.1552 info@allcarepropertymaintenance.ca www.allcarepropertymaintenance.ca