Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #426485 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-05
• Released on: 2008-02-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Review
"Whether you want to start a new lawn from scratch or just fix problem areas, this book shares the secrets to success including choosing the right grasses and using an enlightened maintenance program."
Green Bay Press-Gazette
March 2, 2000


"Authors Joe Provey and Kris Robinson recognize the anxiety many gardeners felt over the pesti-cides, excessive water consumption, and financial outlay that having a manicured turf lawn often entails. Yet, they also know that few ground covers provide a better backdrop for specimen plants or family activities. What's needed, they acknowledge, is a grass without guilt. To help gardeners achieve it, they provide advice on choosing the right species or mix of grass seed, improving what you have, reducing lawn maintenance, and managing pests and diseases without the use of toxic chemicals."
Rebecca Sawyer-Fay, Country Living Gardener
August 1999

From the Back Cover
According to the experts at The Toro Company, you can have a healthier, more beautiful lawn without spending a lot of time and money and without using toxic substances. Whether you want to start a new lawn from scratch or just fix problem areas, the secrets to success include choosing the right grasses and using an enlightened maintenance program. In this book, you'll learn how to
- Redesign your lawn to fit your lifestyle
- Test your soil for pH and essential lawn nutrients
- Improve your soil-even if it's compacted or infertile
- Choose the right grass cultivars for your climate and soil
- Restore a tired lawn-without needing to remove existing turf
- Start a new lawn from scratch, whether by planting sprigs, plugs, or seeds or by laying sod
- Increase drought resistance by reducing watering frequency
- Fight weeds by mowing less often
- Use the book's illustrated field guides to identify and then remedy lawn problems-such as weeds, pests, and diseases
- Ensure proper aeration, drainage, irrigation, and fertilization
- Reduce lawn work by converting some lawn area to ground covers and ornamental grasses.
Rounding out this groundbreaking book are a user's guide to tools and equipment and a listing of sources for free advice and the latest in research. Illustrated with 350 photos and 101 drawings and brimming with how to information, Toro's Expert Guide to Lawns is the only book on lawn care you'll ever need.

About the Author
Joe Provey is the former Editor-in-Chief of Family Handyman, Practical Homeowner, and Mechanix Illustraed/Home Mechanix. As a writer, editor, and homeowner, he has extensive experience with lawn care, outdoor power equipment, and the judging of home landscaping competitions.
Kris Robinson is a researcher and writer who specializes in scientific developments in lawn disease and pest control. She also designs and maintains gardens for the public.
Dr. Van Cline, PhD, is Manager of Turf Agronomics and Research for The Toro Company. His responsibilities include applied turf research related to commercial and irrigation product and services development, technical training and consultation in turf management for Toro personnel, and general agronomic support for professional turf managers. Van maintains an active relationship with the scientific community in the turf industry through collaborations with a number of scientists across the United States. His current research focus at Toro is the development of various sensing technologies in combination with geographical information systems to optimize water use efficiency. Van holds a B.S. degree in Forestry and a M.L.A in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in Horticultural Science from the University of Minnesota. He has been with The Toro Company for 20 years.

Customer Reviews

Toro Expert Guide to Lawns
Excellent product for the beginner and the pro alike. Book is well organzied and easy to read. Book is not waterproof though, so I would be careful about taking this book out into the yard to compare what you have on your lawn with what's in the book. It is an excellent resource though and I highly recommend it.