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" It&amp;#039;s easy to get caught up in decor projects, from new countertops to curtains \u2014 sometimes at the expense of your home&amp;#039;s exterior. But landscaping and other outside updates don&amp;#039;t have to be a hassle. Follow our targeted tips, and you&amp;#039;ll be proud to invite guests over, have the neighbors stroll by, or even just pull into your own driveway. Yard Smarts Here are three solutions for covering more ground \u2014 with less effort: 1. Cure a Sick Lawn The top five grass-related grumbles, solved. \u2022 Brown sections. It&amp;#039;s tempting to set the mower blades low so you won&amp;#039;t have to cut the lawn again so soon. But slicing off more than an inch of grass at a time can cause what remains to turn brown. Ditto with using a dull blade. (Have the mower serviced yearly.) \u2022 Trampled paths. If your family and guests are always trekking across the grass, take it as a cue that the route should be recognized: Install slate or concrete paving stones. \u2022 Brittle grass. If blades look withered or snap easily, it may be that the ground&amp;#039;s too dry. To test, push a screwdriver into the soil in a few spots. If it doesn&amp;#039;t go in smoothly to a depth of six inches, haul out the hose. \u2022 Overall yellowing. A jaundiced lawn can actually be caused by fertilizer \u2014 the nitrogen in it that encourages growth can &amp;quot;burn&amp;quot; the grass if it&amp;#039;s overdosed. After a treatment, water well to dilute the fertilizer and help it soak down. \u2022 Yellow patches. The probable (icky) culprit is pet urine. Like fertilizer, it contains nitrogen, but in a more concentrated amount. The only real solution: Curb your dog. If you catch him (or another pup) lifting his leg on your lawn, quickly douse the spot with the hose. Existing yellow patches may need reseeding. 2. Grass Begone If keeping a lawn green has you seeing red, consider these alternatives: \u2022 What&amp;#039;s known as &amp;quot;no-mow&amp;quot; grass, which doesn&amp;#039;t grow as tall \u2014 or clover, or a blend. These won&amp;#039;t offer a golf course \u2014 like appear-ance, but both cover large areas with a swath of green, and need far less TLC. \u2022 Edible ground cover. Replace small areas of grass with spreading varieties of herbs, such as wintergreen, thyme, or sage; leafy veggies in the lettuce family; or even low-growing berry plants. Note: These, and clover by itself, can&amp;#039;t take as much foot traffic as regular grass. \u2022 Hardscaping. For the least maintenance, consider gravel, slate tiles, or another rocklike ground cover \u2014 a particularly smart solution in drought-prone areas. Plan it out (with a pro, if needed) before you de-plant, to decide what greenery stays. Landscape fabric underneath should help prevent regrowth. 3. Mind Your Mulch Put it down to deter weeds in flower beds \u2022 Pick organic mulch (rather than inorganic types such as brick chips or shredded rubber) \u2014 it will keep the ground cool, hold in moisture, let plant roots breathe, and break down to enrich the soil. \u2022 Skip free mulch, unless you know the source. If it contains weeds, mushrooms, or diseased wood or plants, it can spread those scourges to your yard. What not to DIY: Power-washing your house. Why? Power washers are tricky to use, and while brick and vinyl siding wash well, wood clapboards could be pitted by a high-pressure stream.Next:   Up Your Appeal Three easy tips to remake your entrance, from curb to door: 1. Prioritize Your Mailbox The mail carrier&amp;#039;s not the only one who notices if it&amp;#039;s shabby. Spray-paint it with an outdoor-durable product, like GHRI-tested Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss ($8, home and hardware stores). 2. Step Lightly Solar accent lights can illuminate your walkway \u2014 and won&amp;#039;t waste any electricity. Place lamps close enough together that their light overlaps (typically every three to six feet). 3. Class Up Your Entryway Front door need a redo? Choose exterior paint based on the door&amp;#039;s material. Or take the distraction approach: Flank the door with low-effort potted plants, or plant inexpensive annuals like impatiens. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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