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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-05-07, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7,1997 PAGE 17. Lawns need preventative care A preventative health care program for your lawn is very similar to one you would use to maintain your own health. The idea is to prevent problems from occurring so you don’t have to treat them. A healthy lawn can withstand most stresses such as weeds, insect attacks and other diseases. Use the program outlined below as a general guide to growing a healthy lawn. 1. Develop healthy soil. Good soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn. To grow well, your lawn needs soil with good texture, some key nutrients and the right pH balance. Most lawns need to be fertilized every year, because they need more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Soil that is too acidic can be “sweetened” with lime; soil that’s not acidic enough can be made more “sour” by adding sulfur. 2. Choose a grass type that thrives in your climate. The right type of grass — one that suits your needs and likes the local weather — will always give better results. "dP 3. Mow high, often and with sharp blades. Mowing \ high — that is, keeping your lawn a bit long — will produce stronger, healthier grass with the lawn really needs it, and then to water slowly and deeply. 5. Correct thatch build-up. All grass forms a layer of dead plant material, known as thatch, between the grass blades and the soil. When it gets too thick it prevents water and nutrients from penetrating the soil and grass roots. Reduce thatch by raking the lawn or using a machine that slices through thatch to break it up. Sprinkling a thin layer of topsoil or compost over the lawn will also JIM ANDERSON TREE MOVING SERVICES fewer pest problems. The rule of thumb is to mow often enough that you never cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. 4. Water deeply but not too often. It’s best to water only when help. 6. Set realistic goals. Even a healthy lawn is likely to have some weeds or insect pests. But it will also have beneficial insects and other organisms that help keep pests under control. • We supply and plant large trees - many varieties to choose from • Fine quality trees at prices you can afford R.R. #1, LONDESBORO 523-4894 Evenings 10 tips for pool purchase A pool is a lasting investment in your family life and in your health. So you should select a builder or dealer as carefully as you would an architect or builder for your home. Here are some simple steps to follow: 1. Read all about pools. NSPI has a complete range of consumer publications to help you leam about pool planning, maintenance and safety. 2. Call NSPI for a list of our member builders and dealers in your area. The telephone number is (905) 676-1591 or toll free 1-800- 879-7066. 3. Verify references. Most builders and dealers will be happy to supply you with names of previous customers. An important guide is the logo of NSPI, the official national association of more than 4,300 leaders in the swimming pool and spa industry in Canada and the United States. 4. Ask for two or three written bids to get an idea of the market in your area. 5. Call the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in your area to check on dealer reputation. Some areas require that builders and dealers are licensed and insured. 6. Make sure your builder follows a nationally recognized standard, such as the ANSI/NSPI standards. 7. Review contracts carefully before signing. A clearly written contract protects both you and the builder. 8. To save money, check several sources of financing. The interest Continued on page 18 We Have Our Own Little Show Every Day! We invite you to see us at our Showroom * R ill iL j a Marquis Spas and Fox Pools Aqua Leader" ^yS^Above Ground Pools Enjoy the summer with an in or above ground pool • Pool & Spa Chemicals & Accessories • FREE Water Testing BLUE HORIZON POOLS & SPAS 2 miles East of Goderich on Hwy. 8 RR #2 Goderich 524-9804 iMoSreAl ^PAINTS Color . L VoWlP"*' Beautiful Savings VALUE Beautiful! Regal* AquaVelvet*Satin Impervo* Blyth Decor Shoppe Don (Barney) &L Linda Stewart 523-4840 or 523-9448 (home) ■' Right now, you can get expert advice from your Benjamin Moore dealer Paint A Great Impression book (with this coupon and the purchase of any three gallons of featured product) • Over 100 pages of home decorating ideas • More than 30 color and paint projects • Painting techniques including smooshing, tickling, ragging... q _______________________________________