Sometimes we're just too busy with life to do all the work involved with the up-keep of a lawn. Perhaps your lawn is extremely large and there's no way you could maintain it all by yourself. What about fertilizers and pesticides? Isn't it better to get someone else to do the chemical applications?

There are many reasons as to why one would want to call in professionals. The biggest concern though, is cost. Why do lawn care companies charge so much?

If it has an engine surely someone will race it. Why not combine the passion of lawn mowing with the popularity of racing. The United States Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) was born in 1992 when the idea of racing lawn mowers was brought from England where it has been an organized happening since 1973.

Unlike the riding mowers homeowners are familiar with, racing mowers have a few modifications and their cutting blades removed. Governors have been removed and gearing configurations altered for maximum speed.

Lawn mower racing is gaining popularity due to its sheer irreverence and affordability as a spectator sport. To look into attending a race or entering your own mower, visit the websites of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association and British Lawn Mower Racing Association.

photo © flickr user riebschlager

Okay so I made up the acronym, but unidentified dead spots are real and can be perplexing, especially when the cause is unknown. What are these dead spots on the lawn? Are animals urinating on the lawn in the middle of the night? Was there some sort of a spill of gas or fertilizer? Is it disease? Herbicide? Bad sprinklers? The list of suspects is numerous and each dead spot may or may not offer up clues as to its origin.

Regardless of how a dead spot appeared on the lawn, they are unsightly and can be repaired. Read How to Repair a Bare Patch on a Lawn.

Repairing a bare patch on a lawn is relatively simple, but timing is everything. Try not to seed or sod bare patches during periods of extremely hot weather. Seed and sod needs to be kept moist through the early stages of seed germination and sod knitting. Trying to keep the repair area moist during a heat wave is a challenge often lost. It's better to wait until fall, spring or at least a two week period of moderate temperatures.

The battle against weeds is an ongoing struggle, not for the timid or faint of heart. Implementing an Integrated Pest Management program is the best way to meet weeds head on.

An IPM program will have you using a multi-faceted plan of attack including scouting for weeds, removing some by hand, and spot spraying some of the stubborn ones for an all encompassing and environmentally sound weed control program.

Dandelion, clover, plantain, yellow wood sorrel, and purslane are some common weeds you may be doing battle with during the growing season.

photo © Kelly Burke