Caring for Your Lawn in Summer's Heat

We may have had our tongue planted firmly in our cheek when we talked about AstroTurf replacing real grass lawns in our last post (July 12). Sure it's happening in some places and people in our area are definitely devoting more of their outdoor space to hardscape features such as stone patios, paths, ponds, pools and outdoor rooms. But it's unlikely that Maryland homeowners will desert real grass in the near future.

If you're like most Maryland homeowners, your lawn represents a considerable investment in time and money. A lush green lawn is inviting and a much better selling point and much less susceptible to disease and pests than a dry, brown dormant yard.

With low or sporadic rainfalls this spring and summer, many communities are being forced to implement watering restrictions. Here is what you need to know to make the most of the watering time you're allowed and keep your lawn and plants happy and healthy.

Lawns

• Water slowly, deeply and more thoroughly. You won't need to water as often, and this method will promote moisture build up in the soil, encouraging roots to grow deeper.
• Deeper roots will stay cool and moist even when the upper two inches of soil are bone dry.
• In most soils, this can be accomplished by watering 1 inch per week. Set a rain gauge in the path of your sprinkler to help you figure out how long you need to water to achieve 1 inch.

Plants and Trees

• When watering established trees and plants, don't water at the base of the trunk; you're wasting water.
• The most important area to water is from 4 to 6 feet inside the drip line of a tree to about 8 feet beyond it.
• Set a sprinkler to cover the desired area or coil a soaker hose in concentric rings around the tree or plant at the drip line and somewhat beyond.
• You should let the water run for one and one-half to three hours to soak the ground to a one-foot depth. Check progress by plunging a shovel into the soil and pulling it to one side. This should be relatively easy when the soil is well soaked

By following these simple guidelines you'll maintain a lush green lawn and healthy trees and plants this summer while all around you lawns are turning brown and leaves are curling up and crisping in the heat.

Watch this blog for more great tips on taking care of your home. If you're planning to buy or sell a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area , visit John Day's website. You'll find great tips for buyers and sellers and lots of information about thousands of beautiful homes in hundreds of great communities. Take virtual tours, then call John Day to schedule personal tours of your favorites. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, experienced realtor John Day is your key to success.

As Real Grass Lawns Fail, Popularity of Hardscapes Rises

With much of the country at draught or near-draught levels, many communities are implementing watering bans. Some homeowners have turned to artificial turf in a drastic attempt to save water -- and wear and tear on their lawn mowers!

Admittedly, people trading their Kentucky bluegrass for non-plant alternatives probably don't find any joy in spending their Saturdays weeding, mowing, fertilizing and sweating; but hardscape landscapes have a marked appeal for busy professionals who might enjoy exercising their green thumb if they only had the time.

Hardscaping includes the installation of walkways, retaining walls, patios, built-in barbecue grills, fences, hot tubs, swimming pools and ponds. Low-maintenance materials like stone, concrete, crushed rock or shredded bark are used in place of grass. Busy lifestyles, the trend toward outdoor rooms and the desire to spend leisure time recharging the old batteries, not battling the weeds are driving the trend. According to the National Gardening Association, lawn and garden sales are decreasing while sales of hardscape materials are on the rise.

For those who don't don't want to live in a rock quarry, but long for the look of a green, well-manicured lawn without the upkeep, there's artificial turf. Yep, it's the same stuff they put on football fields.

"The blades are significantly shorter. It's like a manicured lawn," said Trevor Brooks of NewGrass in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the company's biggest sales are in the Southwest, water conservation is piquing the interest of East Coast residents. "It's a little more expensive upfront," Brooks said. "But there's no maintenance. No water costs. You don't have to mow the lawn. In the long run the (artificial) grass pays for itself in three years. There's also a manufacturer's warranty on color fade. It won't show any wear and tear."

Made from polyethylene, the same compound use to make water bottles, NewGrass comes in three lengths and sells for $3.79 to $4.99 per square foot. Maintenance free, dust free and allergy free, NewGrass looks as real as its living counterpart. Talking about his own NewGrass lawn, Brooks confided, "Our looks so real I've had people come up to me and ask how much water it needs."

Whatever you're looking for in a home, you'll find it on Homes Buy Day. Visit our website and take a virtual tour of thousands of beautiful homes in Maryland and the Washington DC metro area. Give your wish list to veteran realtor John Day and let John find the home of your dreams. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Fabulous Country Paradise In Lothian, Maryland

The sellers are loading the moving van so this fabulous country hideaway is priced for quick sale and settlement. The house is ready for move-in, has a delightful in-ground pool, stables for the horses and, with 16.5 acres, plenty of space to ride. This could be your little slice of heaven in the country!

Located at 5814 Independent Lane in Lothian, Maryland, this spacious ranch home has four bedrooms and two full baths to accommodate your family and plenty of weekend guests. You'll love the bright, airy sunroom that looks out over the sculptured pool. There's a cozy fireplace for snuggling on chilly winter nights. You'll find plenty of storage space and potential in the partially finished basement and more storage in the attic, accessible by pull-down stairs.

The property has two large buildings for the storage of farm equipment, hay, autos and anything you can think of. Bring the horses -- or make your child's dream come true! There are three stalls easily accessible from the barn and house with fenced fields for grazing and water available.

This gorgeous property won't be on the market long. Call realtor John Day and schedule your private tour today. Click the post title for more information on this outstanding property and to take a virtual tour. Visit John's website to check out all the newest listings. If you're buying or selling a home in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area, John Day is your key to success.

Dads Rule the Grill!

Dads of the world arise! Your time is now! Grilling is hot these days and (as we all know) dads rule the grill (and the remote)! It's time to drag out those great Father's Day gifts from years past: the bright red bib apron emblazoned with the words Fire Hazard and the orange lobster claw-handled grill tools. You can put them to good use this summer.

Grill sales are increasing annually (up 66% since 1992) as more families get out of the kitchen and embrace outdoor living -- and cooking. No more hot summer kitchens or pots and pans to wash up. Toss dinner on the grill and it's ready in 30 minutes with no clean up!

The number of grill options today is staggering. These are not your father's Weber kettle! Some of the cool features available today include:

• Multiple burners that allow preparation of several dishes at once.
• Snazzy accessories like pizza grillers, skewer racks, fish trays and rotisseries. (Ducane offers a grill complete with a margarita blender so you can quench your thirst while you baste the steaks!)
• Powerful lightweight portable grills that fit in your car trunk but still deliver maximum fire power.
• See-through propane containers and gauge meters that show when fuel is low.

The only thing missing is a remote and that can't be far behind. So dads, this summer, get out your BBQ recipes, your basters, brushes and tongs and commandeer the patio. This is your time to shine!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there from realtor John Day and the entire Homes Buy Day staff. If you want to buy or sell a home in Maryland or the Washington DC area, visit our website and give us a call.