Megan Hughes

5 days ago | bhg.com | Megan Hughes

Credit: Photo: Akchamczuk / Getty Images Key PointsCanada thistle is an invasive plant with a deep, extensive root system that requires persistence to completely remove from your lawn. Weeding out young thistles by hand and applying herbicides at the right time of year are most effective for getting rid of this prickly weed. Keeping your grass healthy and lush through proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing is key to preventing thistles from invading your lawn.

3 weeks ago | bhg.com | Megan Hughes

Credit: Matthew Benson Get ready for a great-looking lawn in less time than it currently takes you to mow. A few simple landscaping adjustments can make a huge difference in making it easier to mow your lawn. Whether you're steering a riding mower or using a push mower over your turf, the following landscaping tips will make mowing your lawn easier and even more enjoyable. Plus, your lawn will likely get a better cut when obstacles are removed and rough edges are smoothed.

4 weeks ago | bhg.com | Megan Hughes

Credit: Zbynek Pospisil / Getty Images A freshly mowed lawn is a welcome sight. But paying attention to the direction you mow that lawn can give you even better results. On a major league baseball field, the mowing direction plays a big part in creating the intricate outfield designs and signature stripes in the lawn. The mowing direction is not nearly as critical for a home lawn, but it still impacts the health and growth of the turf, as well as its appearance.

1 month ago | bhg.com | Megan Hughes

Credit: Marty Baldwin Key TakeawaysChickweed is a fast-spreading annual weed with tiny white flowers that can produce thousands of seeds. Keeping your lawn healthy and dense is the best natural defense against chickweed. Along with proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing, diligent removal of new seedlings is essential for long-term chickweed control. Chickweed’s name can be deceiving—it is anything but small and vulnerable.

1 month ago | bhg.com | Megan Hughes

Credit: Phototropic / Getty Images Key TakeawaysStriping is an optical illusion: The color differences you see comes from grass blades bending in opposite directions, affecting how light reflects off their surfaces. Plan out your stripes: Mow in straight, parallel lines, alternating directions at the end of each pass over your lawn. Change up the pattern: Try a checkerboard by mowing stripes at 90 degree angles, and vary your mowing pattern every few weeks to avoid damage to your lawn.