Lawn deterioration is due to a variety of unfavorable 
conditions. The cause is not always easy to diagnose, 
but the result is invariably thin, weed infested turf. 
Soil impoverishment is perhaps the most universal 
cause of lawn failure, although improper maintenance is 
a Close second. Chinch bugs, grubs of the Japanese and 
other beetles, extreme shade, acidity, poor water and 
air drainage and long periods of hot, humid weather, or 
one of several other possible causes, add their contribu- 
tions to lawn failures. After May first, avoid renovation 
of lawns known to have been infested with crab grass 
the previous year. The newly seeded grasses will be 
compelled to compete with crab grass before the lawn 
has a chance to become well established. 
ELIMINATE UNFAVORABLE FACTORS FIRST 
Adequate sunshine, rainfall or irrigation, favorable 
temperature and good soil are the basic fundamentals to 
good lawns. Each of these factors may affect the lawn 
positively or negatively, depending on the conditions 
which prevail. Success will depend largely on ability 
to modify the unfavorable conditions. Excess water 
must be drained by agricultural tile or other means. 
Air drainage is important so there is free movement of 
air over the lawn. Stagnant air can be as bad for good 
turf in periods of unfavorable weather as excess water. 
RENOVATION METHODS 
Good results from reseeding the lawn will be de- 
termined largely by your ability to create a favorable 
surface to receive seed. We believe the following pro- 
ceedure will insure good results if each step is done 
carefully and properly. 
FIRST: Aerify with the mechanical earthworm— 
SOIL-AIRE. It removes narrow cores of earth and makes 
the lawn soft and porus, also promotes conservation of 
moisture, deep root systems, modifies heavy soils, puts 
nutrients in the root zone in all turf areas. 
SECOND: Fertilization follows aerification. The 
choice of fertilizer is largely a matter of personal opinion. 
As the base material for all lawn fertilization, we favor 
MirorGanite, an all-organic plant food. This may be 
supplemented with bone meal or superphosphate every 
two years. 
If clippings are constantly removed from the lawn, 
Acrostoroop with all its nitrogen derived from organic 
materials is advisable. Any 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer 
or any brand name bearing a similar analysis would be 
entirely satisfactory. Use any of these materials in 
strict accordance with instructions on the bag. 
THIRD: Spiking the lawn with the Spike Disc illus- 
trated herein develops a fine seed bed. It helps incorporate 
the fertilizer, breaks up the surface crust and provides a 
4 

Renovating the 
AERIFYING 
SOIL-AIRE—THE ME- 
CHANICAL EARTH- 
WORM. For over 30 years, 
golf courses in Great Brit- 
ain and the United States 
have used special tools for 
relieving compacted soil 
and getting sun, air, food 
and water down to the 
roots. Now home owners 
can have the advantages 
of this tool on their own 
lawn. The Soil-Aire re_ 
moves small cores of earth 
which makes the lawn soft 
and porous and grows 
healthy, vigorous grass. 
Precision built of chrome- 
plated tubular steel. Sent 
postpaid. Single tine 
model — $3.95; Deluxe 
double-tine model—$6.95. 

FERTILIZING 
MASTERS FERTILIZER SPREAD- 
ERS. The No. 30 Model has 
capacity for 50-lbs. of fertilizer. 
Finger-tip action is easier than 
shifting gears on a car. Set the 
arrow on the adjusting plate, 
open the clutch and the machine 
is ready for operation. Dis- 
tributes seed and fertilizers ac- 
curately and instantaneously. 
$9.95. 
Larger models in stock. 
SPIKING 
This tool will supply the proper kind of aeration and permit re- 
tention of moisture. Will not harm the appearance of the lawn. Discs 
are made of high carbon alloy steel, the machine is well built and will 
last for years. One of the 
finest lawn tools made. 
No. 8T. Ideal model for 
the home lawn. 8 
discs, each 10 in. di- 
ameter, rolling width 
16 in. Net weight 
32 lbs. Tray is pro- 
vided so that weight 
may be added. Price— 
$15.00. 
No. 30. Estate model 
with 19 discs, each 
10 in. diameter. Roll- 
ing width 18in. weighs 
about 100 Ibs. Tray 
provided. Price—$39.00 
No. 8T. Spike disc 
illustrated. 

