(NAPSA)—After a few months of barbecues, Frisbee games and scorching temperatures, your lawn has probably seen better days. By following a few simple tips, you can transform a damaged lawn and keep it green and healthy throughout the season. Fertilize—This critical step feeds your lawn andhelps it grow. It will also allow your lawn to store as much food as possible before going dormant for the win- ter. A properly fed lawn will recover more easily the following spring. Seed—Tofill in a thin lawn or bare spots, add seed. Use a professional power seeding service to get the job done faster and spend your time enjoying the cooler temperatures. Aerate—Aeration lets your lawn increase its uptake of nutrients and oxygen. This is essential to revive the lawn after such commonstresses as high temperatures and lack of moisture. Aerating also combats compaction that may have occurred from foot traffic. Apply grub control and check for pests—Treating for pests nowis critical because if you wait until spring, your lawn will suffer. As the season progresses, there are a few additional tasks you can undertake to help protect your yard. Proper maintenance now will ensure the health of your lawn andtrees for next year. Remove leaves at least once a week—Raking or blowing your lawn clean is vital Cool Tasks: Proper lawn care maintenance now will ensure a healthy lawn next season. because leaves block sunlight. A leaf-free lawn can store more food for its winter dormancy, resulting in a healthier lawn in the spring. * Winterize trees and shrubs—Before temperatures drop and the wind rises, protect your evergreens from moisture loss by treating them with antidesiccant material. * Winterize your lawn mower—To store your mower safely and guarantee that it will be ready to go in the spring, winterize it. The end of mowing season is a great time to address routine maintenance and any necessary repairs. If you’d rather enjoy the weather than worry about your yard, you can call a Lawn Doctor professional for a free evaluation. For additional lawn caretips, visit LAWNDOCTOR.COM or call 1.800.4.LAWNDR.
