PRINCIPLES IN THE CARE OF LAWNS 



377 



most beautiful covers for any lawn where it will thrive. It may be 

 grown as far north as the Ohio river. The leaves and stems do not 

 remain over winter in regions where freezing is severe. The new 

 growth has to come from the roots each spring, and the lawn has a 

 dead appearance for several months each year. 



For dry regions of the West smooth bromegrass is one of the 

 best lawn grasses. It will become more dense and produce a better 

 carpet after a few year's growth. The stems shooting up to 

 bear seed should be kept trimmed off if the best effects are to be 

 obtained. 



Fig. 278. — A city garden showing how to beautify barren spots between tenements. 

 (R. I. State College, Ext. Dept.) 



Starting Lawn Grass. — If the seed method is to be followed 

 always sow the seed on a well prepared seed bed at that season of 

 the year when the rainfall is heaviest. In some regions this is in 

 February or March, while in others it may be in September or 

 late fall. If the winter is very severe early spring is preferred to 

 late fall, because the young grass should be allowed to make enough 

 root growth to prevent being killed by freezing. In regions with 

 light winters where the soil does not freeze many inches deep the 

 fall seeding of lawns is recommended. 



Principles in the Care of Lawns. — It is easier to care for a lawn 

 that is not broken up by trees or scattered shrubs. The area to be 



