Is your lawn a series of brown patches, weeds, and non-growth areas? Does your house lose curb appeal as a result? Are you totally frustrated by reseeding the lawn every year only to see small improvements in appearance? Do you want a lush, green lawn that stands up to the rigors of your environment?

A simple and effective solution can solve all of the aforementioned problems. The solution involves aerating your lawn with a core aerator, fertilizing, reseeding with an appropriate grass seed, and applying a layer of peat moss.

First, and most importantly, aerate your lawn in the spring and fall. Motorized aerators are available from tool and equipment companies for approximately $100 per day. Most aerators remove 20 to 30 6 inch long cores and deposit them back onto the lawn. When aerating, make sure the holes made are no more than 6 inches apart. Core aerating loosens the soil and allows water and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Ideally, grass grows best in loosened, nutrient-rich, and moist environment. Remember to leave the cores removed by the aerator on your lawn. Do not rake them up.

Second, once aeration is completed, spread a fertilizer over the entire aerated area. Be sure you have measured your lawn and know exactly how much fertilizer to apply based upon that measurement. Aeration helps the fertilizer reach the root level. Apply iron if you think your lawn requires it.

Third, reseed with a grass seed consistent with the environment in your area. When applying grass seed, use the area measurement found for fertilizing. In other words, apply the grass seed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation based upon area measurement. You may desire a mix of grass seeds based upon your environment. For example, a mixture of Bermuda grass seed and Fescue grass seed does well in the South. During those dry, rain-less periods, the Bermuda grass provides for a green, lush looking lawn, while the Fescue provides the same appearance during the cooler periods of the season.

Fourth, apply a one-quarter inch layer of peat moss over the aerated/reseeded area. Peat moss can be obtained for about $10 per 3.8 cubic feet (compressed and bagged). Unfortunately, peat moss can not be spread with a spreader, so break out a shovel and apply accordingly. The peat moss helps keep the soil loosened and it also retains moisture. The peat moss provides a perfect environment for the grass seed to germinate, grow, and establish strong roots.

Generally, if you follow this procedure, in one growing season, youll have a lush, green lawn that is the envy of your neighbors, provides curb appeal, and stands up better to rigors of your environment.