Have you ever flipped through the pages of a home and garden magazine, daydreaming of having a beautiful lawn that neighbors and guests would envy? Well, you’re in luck! Having a beautiful lawn takes some work, but here are six things you can do to get the lawn of your dreams.

1.       Focus on the yellow spots. While yellow spots can be caused by pests, these patches are often caused by low spots in your lawn, which are made even worse by heavy rainfall. If exposed to standing water for a certain amount of time, the grass can “drown” in standing water. Purchase some compost and distribute over the yellow spots to help bring it back up to the same level as the rest of your yard. Within two weeks, your grass should return.

2.       Utilize your grass trimmings. If your lawnmower cuts grass then shoots it right back out onto your lawn, you’re in luck. This actually reduces the amount of fertilizer you will need by 1/3 to a ½.

3.       Aerate your lawn yourself. There’s no need to hire someone to do this. Depending on the type of grass you have, this may only need to be done once a year, either at the beginning of a growing season or after one has ended. Be cautious not to step on your garden hose or any other cables or cords in your lawn. Aeration machines can typically be rented from your local hardware store.

4.       Make your own lawn refresher. This calls for one can of non-light beer, one can of regular soda (meaning not diet), one cup of ammonia, one cup of liquid dish soap, one cup of molasses or corn syrup, and ½ cup of mouthwash. Beer, soda and molasses all help with the growth of good bacteria. Ammonia provides the nitrates, which is one of the main ingredients in fertilizer. Soap spreads the mix evenly and helps it bond to the grass blades. The mouthwash, which has alcohol in it, keeps the pests away. Mix this in a 10 or 20 gallon hose end sprayer and apply every three weeks. Be sure to water your lawn well after each “dose.” You’ll see a noticeable difference in your lawn, including the decrease in the amount of water it needs to stay beautiful.

5.       Keep the raccoons away. Raccoons can cause great damage to a lawn by digging holes and deteriorating turf while searching for food. While you could hire a pest control professional or buy traps, you can also try distributing moth crystals onto your lawn. The scent will keep the pests away without causing damage to your lawn. Also, be sure to keep your trashcans sealed tightly.

6.       Clean up after your pets. Unfortunately, the pH level of your dog’s urine can cause brown or yellow spots to form in your yard. The solution is simple, as all it takes is some water applied to the spot chosen by your pet. Make sure you pour the water over the area within eight hours of the urination. You could also add water to your dog’s food or more water to their diet in general. This will lower the concentration of nitrogen in their urine, decreasing your chances of dead spots in the yard.