Everybody likes a beautiful lawn. The thing is there are different definitions of what a great lawn really looks like. Some people need it to be absolutely pristine without a weed to be seen. Others, you know, as long as it's green it really doesn't matter.

To help us all, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is implementing what they're calling their Be Green Lawn Care Program. Now what that means is they're looking for lawn care companies that will offer lawn care services that avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, relying instead on proper cultural practices to produce lawns that are both attractive and environmentally friendly.

Now, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to having a nice lawn without the use of pesticides. First and foremost, you need to focus your management practices between Labor Day and Thanksgiving not Easter and Memorial Day as many do now. This time of the year is a great time of the year and in fact the best of the year to either renovate an existing lawn or start a new lawn. Right at the first part of September through the middle of September is the best and most effective time of the year to apply any kind of fertilizer. You want to avoid fertilizers that include sewage sludge as a source of nutrients.

Probably 80-percent of having a nice lawn is simply mowing correctly. As the lawn starts to grow more quickly at this time of the year, make sure you have your mower set to cut at 3 inches and keep it at that height for the rest of the year.

So if you're interested in more information, simply go to the DEC web site at www.dec.ny.gov. On the front page you will find Tips for Living Green and learn more about the Be Green Lawn Care Program.