Four Simple Steps to a Lawn You'll Love!

Just about everyone wants a lawn he or she can love. The good news is that the grass doesn't have to be greener on the other side of the fence. All it takes is a little bit of planning.

"A well-kept lawn is a source of pride for you, your family and your neighbors," says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, who wrote the book "Lawn Care for Dummies."

Here are some tips:

• Water correctly. Accurate watering is the most significant aspect of caring for your lawn. Keep in mind that grass reacts to weather a lot like humans do--it needs more water when it's hot and sunny, less when it's cool or cloudy. Water deeply, letting the water penetrate 6 to 8 inches, then allow the lawn to partially dry. Shallow watering leads to shallow roots and a drought-susceptible lawn. Of course, if you are in a drought zone, always check for watering restrictions in your area.

• Don't forget the fertilizer. A properly fed lawn allows all the grasses to thrive, keeping it green and healthy-looking. Slow-release fertilizer is less likely to burn the lawn and has a longer effect.

• Know how to mow. You should cut cool-season grasses, such as fescues and Kentucky bluegrass, higher. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and zoysia, should be cut lower. If you cut too low, the roots will be too shallow and you'll get more weeds and weak grass.

• Battle the bugs. Some bugs can cause big headaches. Some of the most common kinds attack your lawn from the grass itself, while many of the most damaging attack where you can't see them--from the roots up.

For example, a product such as Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf is one way to handle two kinds of insects at once. Its exclusive two-way formula controls damaging pests both above and below ground. Available in granules and ready-to-spray concentrate, it kills surface insects in 24 hours and kills soil insects for up to 3 months.

You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling 1-877-BAYERAG. Always read and follow label instructions when using lawn care products.

A properly-maintained lawn allows all the grasses to thrive. Controlling insects is a key component of a healthy lawn.