How DIY Lawn Care Can Help You See More Green

RTP, NC – 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 of dollars a year."

Taking care of your lawn is one important way to see more green, especially if you're trying to sell 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 mower to restore nutrients to the soil. Make sure your lawn mower blade 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 (bayeradvanced.com). It kills more than 200 broadleaf weeds such as chickweed, dandelions and clover, as well as many grassy weeds like 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.)
Water deeply: Water your lawn in the early morning as needed. How much? To a depth of 6 to 8 inches to help the roots grow deeper in the soil. Measure this 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 Bermuda or St. Augustine, require fertilization in late spring. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, need to be fertilized in the fall.
Rake leaves each fall: Leaves can smother grass, cutting off much needed light.

Meanwhile, if your area is going through a drought, you'll need to fertilize less and set your mower at the high end of the recommended range for your grass type. You should also water your lawn less frequently but to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. And always abide by any water restrictions.

About Bayer Advanced

Bayer Advanced lawn and garden products are created by Bayer Environmental Science, a business unit of Bayer CropScience LP and part of the Bayer AG family, a Fortune Global 500 company that makes such well-known brands as Bayer Aspirin, Aleve® and Alka-® Research Triangle Park, NC, is the business headquarters of the company''s NAFTA Region. Kansas City, MO, is the company''s core technology center. The global headquarters of Bayer CropScience is located in Monheim, Germany.

Bayer Advanced products deliver Better Science. Better Results.™ and carry a money-back guarantee. They are available at major retailers and independent garden shops across the United States. You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling 1-877-BAYERAG.