May 11, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 27 ����������������������������� (ARA) Maintaining a green and lush carpet of grass takes some work. One of the easiest ways to keep up the appearance of your lawn is to mow it in a way that promotes optimal lawn health. In fact, mowing frequently is one of the best ways to maintain the health of your lawn according to the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Ideally, you should own a mower that allows you to mow frequently and efficiently. If you have a smaller yard, a walking mower may do the trick, especially if you can get the job done in a half hour or 3-2-11 karen/janine less. If you measure your lawn in acres, as opposed to square feet, a riding mower HomeImpDecBanner6x is probably more appropriate. But most 6 x .75” people have a lawn that fits somewhere in between, in which case, there’s another option. Cross mowers are smaller riding mowers that are designed for yards up to one acre. With a compact design, these mowers offer increased maneuverability, as well as easy storage. Among the companies offering cross mowers is Weed Eater, which features a SmartCut model. Whether now is the time to “right size” your mower or not, here are some other mowing tips to keep your lawn looking good all year: Keep your blade sharp. A dull blade Mowing tips that keep your lawn looking good all year If your mower discharges clippings to the side, mow the outer edge so clippings are thrown toward the middle of your yard, and as you move toward the center, change your direction so they are thrown outward. Sweeping any clippings that ended up on your driveway or sidewalks back onto the lawn both promotes the health of your lawn and prevents them from entering local waterways. Grass clippings can contribute to toxic levels of phosphorus in lakes and rivers. Don’t mow in the same direction every time. Mowing in different directions will prevent your grass from becoming matted down and instead keep it growing upward, where it can receive the most can damage your grass, hampering lawn health and even growth. Mower blades should typically be sharpened once at the beginning of spring and once in the summer. Examining your grass after you mow can help determine whether your blade is producing a clean and even cut. Spread clippings evenly throughout the yard. Grass clippings are an excellent form of fertilizer -- and they’re free. Throughout the year, your clippings will provide the equivalent of one or two applications of fertilizer, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service. sunlight. Cut your grass between two and three inches. Keeping it longer than two inches can help prevent weeds from receiving the necessary sunlight to take hold. It also can prevent scorching during warm and dry weather. For optimal growth and regeneration, never remove more than one third of your lawn’s length during one mowing session. Mow only when your grass is dry. Mowing when your yard is wet can cause your mower to leave tracks. It can also cause your discarded clippings to clump together, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can cause disease in your grass. NEED MULCH? Hardwood • Hemlock Cedar • Oak Colored: Black, Brown, Red Top Soil • Compost Decorative Stone Pruning • Yard Clean Up Small Plantings Installation • Free Estimates • Wholesale and Retail The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. ���������������� ������������ RVH MULCH SUPPLY • WYCKOFF, NJ We accept Credit Cards HIC# 13VH05854900 201-891-7100 In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,300 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. 3-24-11 Pat/Janine RVHMulchColor3x3(3-23-11) 3 x 3” ������������� ��������� WEDNESDAY ������� ������� ������� ������� WEDNESDAY ������ ������ ������ ����� ONE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER ������������ RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INSURED • BONDED Call The Villadom TIMES today to place your advertisement. SINCE 1988 ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Waldwick, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, ZONE 4 - Ramsey, Mahwah