You go to the garden center and see the enormous tractor-mowers. The gigantic bags of lawn food and seed. The big, cumbersome spreaders that defy storage solutions. And maybe you wonder, are you the only person in the world with a small lawn? The fact is, lawns have been getting smaller as new homes are built on smaller lots. Consequently, there are more tools and equipment designed for the smaller lawn.
With a small lawn, your equipment needs change. Instead of a big, heavy power mower, you can use a reel-action push mower. Ideal for use on lawns of 1,000 square feet or less, these mowers are so light, you can hang them up for storage. They give a great cut, don't pollute, and are powered by you. Be sure to look for one that allows you to adjust its mowing height to 2 ˝-3 inches. You'll still need a sprinkler, of course, but a shorter hose should do the job.
There are many spreaders on the market for bigger lawns, but they may not be practical for yours. Fortunately, you can find hand-held spreaders that can help you spread grass seed and lawn food over your small lawn. Another option is the Scotts® Turf Builder® with Built-In Spreader. This is a hand-held container with a spreader in the spout. You just shake evenly as you walk, and then store it on your shelf when you?re done.
A small lawn can make a dramatic impact when you put in landscaping. You can even make it look bigger by adding a bush or pot as a focal point at the far end. Some people have tucked mirrors behind trellises against a wall or fence to create the illusion of size. You could also put in a row of hedges with a garden gate at the far end of the yard, making it appear as if you have another garden just out of sight. Use your imagination and you'll agree, when it comes to lawns, small is beautiful.
