Lawns Books

The Organic Lawn Care Manual

Paul Tukey

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Storey Publishing, LLC Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $7.00

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Techniques -> Organic

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In the modern suburban landscape, beautiful, green lawns are perhaps the most ubiquitous feature of all. It’s difficult to imagine a friendly neighborhood without broad, clean stretches of neatly shorn grass. More and more in recent years, those lawns are evolving into organic systems as homeowners — concerned about the long-term effects of chemicals on their children, their pets, and the environment — turn to natural methods to keep their yards healthy and inviting, and, yes, still green and lush, too.

Paul Tukey, a self-confessed mowing addict, answers the growing demand for organic grass with a comprehensive volume of natural lawncare information. Step by step, he takes readers through the many elements that work together to form a healthy, organic lawn. Well-treated soil, fed properly with compost and natural fertilizers, is the foundation of every great lawn. Plant it with a grass cultivar matched properly to the climate and sunlight, nourish the soil and grass with the proper amount of water, and maintain the height with a good mower equipped with a sharp blade. A beautiful, naturally maintained lawn can be as simple as that.

An organic, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds and pests, but when unwanted visitors creep in, Tukey is ready with Weed and Thug ID Guides and advice on dispatching them naturally or learning to live with the benign offenders. Tukey also provides helpful advice for lawnkeepers making the transition from a synthetic to an organic lawn system. It’s all here — everything today’s homeowner needs to keep his lawn off drugs, and make it an inviting living and play area for the whole family.

Picture Perfect: Mowing Techniques for Lawns, Landscapes, and Sports

David R. Mellor

Amazon Price: $40.00 List Price: $50.00 By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $34.96

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not Picture Perfect! 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I wish I could recommend this book! I really do. You know when your 13-year old writes one of his/her first research papers and repeats him/herself in every other paragraph just to create "filler"? Well, that's exactly Mr. David R. Mellor's problem in his book, "Picture Perfect": he repeats himself over and over . . . and over again. Holy cow!

What IS a sign of a good "how to" book? Well, to me it is its thoroughness: you want to have all the info on the subject in one guide, right? (Or certainly, as close to it as possible.) Well, "Picture Perfect" is NOT perfect -- far from it.

There are many problems with the book. One, Mr. Mellor is a bad writer. His aforementioned repetition of many facts does not create an appreciation for diligence; it signifies a sense of belittlement and ineptitude. Furthermore, although his writing style is accessible for the most part, it is confusing at times during THE moments when it should be the most simple and easy to understand: in the chapter in which he describes how to actually make patterns, he is far too complicated in explaining a simple task . . . such as mowing parallel, adjacent lines in opposite directions! In the first few chapters, Mr. Mellor uses bullets and subchapters to enunciate clear and important points. Great! Yet when he finally gets to discussing the actual techniques of pattern making in Chapter 12, he lumps all points into one, making for a poor overview: the main points don't "stick" out. That's really too bad.

Two, the book is poorly organized. The first half -- yeap, half! -- is dedicated to A-Z lawncare. Come on! All he had to do was to state that there are many other books out there on lawncare, point them out, and get into the heart of THE subject. (That should have taken one paragraph.) And although very important, lawncare is NOT the subject of this treatise, right? (My favorite is Scotts.) Why try to outdo a book like Scotts in a few chapters . . . when the Scotts book covers lawncare brilliantly?! Makes no sense to me whatsoever! This IS, after all, a book on mowing patterns, NOT lawncare. All that Mr. Mellor had to do was to, perhaps, write an opening chapter of HIS advice, findings and nuances on lawncare, all of us having learned some from personal experience over the years. But no, Mr. Mellor tries to reinvent the wheel. In addition, to use black & white photographs in a book published in the 21st century is embarrassing! (No, not all photographs are black & white. But . . . ) Let me get this straight: this book deals with the visual sense, right? So wouldn't you want to use color photographs?! Get real! Furthermore, the illustrations in the chapter on making patterns are not used effectively: all mowing passes could have actually been shown in ONE illustration instead of several, thus making the instructions more accessible. Also, Mr. Mellor tells you that with practice, you will get better. OK, let me get this straight? I am supposed to pay $38.70 to be told that with practice I will get better at doing something? We already know that! That's the whole point of a "how to" book: it is supposed to teach you a subject so that you will decrease the amount of time for you to get good at something, right? Good Lord! (Nope, we're not done yet.) At the very end of the book, Mr. Mellor writes about some of his personal experiences when he worked at Milwaukee's County Stadium, one of which involved the chasing off of seagulls from the field. Again, let me get this straight: you are supposed to pay $38.70 to learn how another human being . . . chased away seagulls?! Mr. Mellor, you are very audacious! I thought this book is about making patterns on lawns? And finally, here is the greatest downfall of the book. The book is 160 pages long, yet ONLY 32 pages actually deal with creating lawn patterns. And actually, I am being too generous: only Chapter 14 deals specifically with pattern instruction which is . . . 18 pages long! So let me get this straight? You are expected to pay $38.70 for a book which only gives you 18 pages on that subject? Are you kidding me?!

Now, having made this last point, let's look at it from a different angle. What does the fact tell you that only 18 pages out of a 160-page book actually deal with the subject at hand? Well, it tells me that the subject matter is NOT all that complicated! Look, if you have, or even HAVE NOT, any gardening experience, but are practical and use common sense, you can create lawn patterns. Sure you can! It ain't that complicated as Mr. Mellor would lead you to believe. I was successful on my first try . . . and so will you.

Holy cow! Mr. Mellor, you need to seriously consider writing a second edition of this book in which you leave out the opening half on lawncare (and leave that to others), use color photographs only, and devote MUCH more effort and time to the actual subject: lawn patterns.

So, if you have ANY gardening savvy and do NOT need your hand held, then I highly recommend that you do NOT buy this expensive book. If you DO need to have your hand held, then buy this book . . . I guess.

Editorial Review:

"Some artists use canvas to create a work of art. David Mellor uses a baseball field. His patterns are so precise and imaginative, I call him the Rembrandt of groundskeeping."
--Bob Uecker, Milwaukee Brewers Broadcaster

Now you can transform your sports field or clubhouse lawn into an envy-grabbing work of optic art. In this book, David Mellor shares the turf mowing and maintenance secrets that have made him one of the leading creators of elaborate patterns used on athletic turf nationwide. Articles about Mellor's work have been published in the New York Times and USA Today, and he is currently the director of grounds for the Boston Red Sox Baseball Club. In Picture Perfect, Mellor gives you the benefit of his years of experience along with simple-to-use techniques for creating playing fields that are without doubt a cut above the rest.

Jerry Baker's Green Grass Magic: Tips, Tricks, and Tonics for Growing the Toe-Ticklinest Turf in Town! (Jerry Baker Good Gardening series)

Jerry Baker

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: American Master Products, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $8.45

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Works wonders! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I'm totally impressed. Let me first admit that I'm lazy when it comes to lawn care. This summer, my lawn finally got to the point where I was embarassed about it. Unfortunately, I thought, it was already early August and there was no way I would have a good looking yard this year. Fortunately, a friend (my buddy "Marmaduke") told me about Jerry Baker's tonics, so I bought the book and his video. Within three and a half weeks, my lawn was looking just as good as the guys who spend most of their free time working on their lawns. In particular, I used Jerry's "Drought Buster" tonic to get my grass green again.

I'm very pleased with this product and believe that my yard will look totally FANTASTIC my the end of this month and even better next year!

Editorial Review:

Anyone can have a lawn even greener than their neighbors’ envy with this definitive guide to improving the attractiveness of grass from seed to sod, in all seasons. Jerry Baker’s proven tips, tricks, and tonics cover problems from mowing and mole damage to drought or downpour. Regular cabinet items are repurposed—Epsom salts to cure yellow grass and mouthwash to banish bugs—and homeowners learn what they can do to conserve water, avoid sun damage, and boost the green of their turf using sensible techniques and natural products. The book includes a calendar with a season-by-season to-do list, taking the guesswork out of lawn maintenance for gardeners with green thumbs as well as those who need a little guidance.

Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass

Liz Primeau

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Firefly Books Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $12.15

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Although upkeep is labor intensive and often requires an arsenal of dangerous chemicals to keep it free of weeds and pests, the appeal of a manicured lawn is almost irresistible. But more people are discovering a very attractive alternative.

Packed with practical tips and beautiful photographs, Front Yard Gardens:

• Explores the history of the lawn and our attachment to it
• Contains examples of front yard gardens from more than seventy gardens across North America
• Provides step-by-step instructions to start and grow your own front yard garden

Liz Primeau transformed her lawn in a quiet suburb to a mixed garden with a profusion of flowering plants, shrubs, and cacti. She now enjoys an eye-catching front garden that requires no chemicals and less watering than her lawn.

This book includes overall planning and design, and outlines the steps for removing the grass, enriching the soil, and planting. The book is divided into several types of front yard gardens, including cottage, minimalist, secret, neighborhood, downtown, and natural. She discusses the key elements of each style, gives tips on how to create and maintain the garden, and provides a list of complementary plants.

With more than two hundred beautiful photographs taken expressly for this book by Andrew Leyerle, Front Yard Gardens is a sensual treasure-trove of ideas.

Sprinklers & Drip Systems

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sunset Publishing Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $7.61

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Bit Disappointing 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I have recently decided to equip my front and back gardens with drip irrigation, and was seeking some high-quality advice on the use of different types of emitters and sprinklers, as well as some saavy tips on setting up a system. What I got was a minimal discussion of the most basic aspects of drip irrigation. More space was spent on sprinkler systems (I should have guessed from the title). There was really nothing in here that I could not easily figure out myself.

It could be useful to someone who is absolutely clueless about drip irrigation.

I have said it before, and I find myself saying it again: Sunset Books have gone downhill. The new editions of their books are redone with scads of garden photographs. Gone are the highly instructional illustrations that used to characterize their books. If I can get previous editions of their books, I will do that. Unfortunately, drip technology is so recent that there really is no previous book by Sunset that covers it.

I doubt if I will ever order a Sunset book online again, but only from a store where I can look through it beforehand.

Editorial Review:

Take the mystery out of installing a watering system with this new edition of Sprinklers & Drip Systems. Visual guides and garden plans help you select, install, and maintain the right system—or systems—for your landscaping needs. Color photos assist in identifying the correct components when shopping for a particular sprinkler or drip system. You’ll save time, money, and conserve water by employing the book’s planning recommendations and installation instructions.

Features:

* Excellent reference volume whether self-installing or hiring contractors

* Visual guides take the guesswork out of selecting the right sprinkler and drip system components

* Step-by-step photos and instructions for planning and installation, plus information on maintenance and repairs

* Showcases five different gardens to illustrate how particular systems address special landscaping needs

Lawnscapes: Mowing Patterns to Make Your Yard a Work of Art

David Parfitt

Amazon Price: $8.97 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Quirk Books Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $4.15

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Funny, Informative Book 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

So we got this book for my father-in-law because this year he finally purchased the John Deer of his dreams. As you see, it went along nicely. It was kind of a gag gift, but with him retiring soon, we all figure the gag will come when he actually uses the directions and makes some elaborate pattern for next Thanksgiving at his house.

Seriously though, without being overly complicated, this tells you the basics of how to make lawn patterns.If you are really looking to learn this skill, you might want to find something with more tips, tricks, hints, etc. But, if you just like playing around in the yard and want some simplie how-to, this is a good choice.

Editorial Review:

Every year, Americans spend some $38 billion on lawn care. But you don't need to hire a crew of landscapers to have an attractive and eye-catching front yard all that's required is a lawnmower, a few inexpensive items from the hardware store, and a little creativity. Lawnscapes teaches readers how to mow artistic masterpieces directly into their lawns everything from checkerboard squares, hearts, and bull's-eyes to Christmas trees, Celtic knotwork, and much more.

Gardening expert David Parfitt includes patterns for 20 different designs, plus tips on creating your own masterpieces. Packaged with an Astroturf cover, Lawnscapes is the perfect gift for dads across America.

Scotts Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard

Scotts, Nick Christians Ph.D., Ashton Ritchie

Amazon Price: $19.55 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MEREDITH BOOKS - Model: 9.7807E+11 Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $0.13

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Features:

• Turf professionals expert tips and information make this the best, most comprehensive lawn care book
• Contributing writer david mellnor shares his expertise as groundskeeper for the world champion
• Revised and expanded second edition includes the newest information, techniques and products for
• lawn.
• Special information on sportscaping for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Get the 2nd Editon 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

The book is quite solid, well written & illustrated. No qualms there.

However, Amazon sells both the 1st & 2nd edition for the same price -- but makes no mention of there being a 2nd edition here. This is the FIRST edition, get the second instead. Do a search for "Scotts Lawn".

Also, as someone else mentions, this book (1st ed) is an updated version of the Ortho book on Lawns.

Again, the book is solid, but look for the 2007 2nd edition.

Scotts Lawn guide 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Excellent practical resource for maintaining your home lawn. I found many good practical applications in this book. I would recommend it for anyone that just wants to use for making sure their home lawn is well maintained.

Editorial Review:

Turf professionals expert tips and information make this the best, most comprehensive lawn care book on the market.Contributing writer david mellnor shares his expertise as groundskeeper for the world champion boston red sox.Revised and expanded second edition includes the newest information, techniques and products for cultivating a showcaselawn.Special information on sportscaping for outdoor enthusiasts.Dimensions (L x W x H):10.8 x 8.18 x 0.25

Lawn Care for Dummies

Lance Walheim, The National Gardening Association

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $1.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Ok but not great 3 out of 5 stars.
40 of 42 people found this review helpful.

The few color pictures are pointless. There is some good information, but the section on revitalizing your lawn is too small. I was looking for a general reference, but they say to aerate but never mention when you should do this (I have read this in other books) and they don't mention other techniques that I have read other places. This book would be pretty good for someone starting from scratch. If you just want to improve your lawn, buy another book.

Editorial Review:

If your neighbors' lawn always resembles a beautiful green carpet while yours looks like something that would cost Tiger Woods several shots, you could use some practical help. Trust the Dummies folks--you really can have a great lawn without breaking your back every weekend, spending a fortune on sod, or poisoning your pets. Lawn Care for Dummies takes you through all the steps: choosing the right grass, planting the seed or laying the sod, installing an irrigation system, fertilizing, aerating, watering, and mowing. It also helps you avoid (or conquer) the Big Three: weeds, pests, and disease. Finally, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow--you get to enjoy your lawn! In the spirit of all Dummies books, there's a list of 10 lawn games at the end. Bocce, anyone?

The Lawn Bible: How to Keep It Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year

David Mellor

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hyperion Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $6.10

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Now you can have green grass right in your own backyard, thanks to David Mellor, master groundskeeper of Boston's Fenway Park.

Everyone wants a green lawn, but how do you actually get one? Bags of fertilizer? Weed killer? Sod? What about mowing? Everyone knows how to, but do you really know when to? Fenway Park's master groundskeeper David Mellor does. He's been caring for some of the nicest lawns around for years. In The Lawn Bible, Mellor offers you everything you need to know about lawn care for your part of the country, including planting, mowing, feeding, and troubleshooting, as well as tips, illustrations, and anecdotes.

Whether your yard is full shade, full sun, or something in between, David Mellor will help you transform it into the greenest grass of your dreams.

The Gospel of Grass, according to David:
--How to think like a lawn
--How to make a lawn child-friendly and a child lawn-friendly
--What combination of good soil, good seed, and good sun adds up to a great lawn
--The mechanics and artistry of mowing
--How to win the war on weeds, pests, and disease

Yard & Garden Basics (Better Homes and Gardens(R): Step-By-Step Series)

Liz Ball

List Price: $24.95 By: Meredith Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $3.75

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Gardening Book 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Being new at gardening, I found this book to be a wonderful reference book. It lays flat for easy reference and contains great illustrations and information for the beginner and the more experienced. Contains information on lawns, trees, flowers, and more.

Beautiful and easy 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

For a beginner gardener as I am it was a joy to have bought this book. Very well illustrated. In fact you see so well the gardens'ideas that reading the book is just a complement to help you plant your garden. Well written and very clear. True to its title: step-by-step. I am glad I bought it and I do recommend it. It makes possible to have a dream garden in your house.

A must own for beginners 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I'm brand new to gardening and was feeling completely overwhelmed and intimidated until discovering this group. It is exactly what I needed to give me the confidence to get started. I recommend it highly!

Editorial Review:

Beautiful gardens for millions of time-crunched homeowners.

Inspiring: How to create and maintain a standout front yard.

Comprehensive: lawns, flowers, vines, edibles, trees, and shrubs.

Practical: essential tools and resources to get the job done.

80 step-by-step projects.

200 timesaving and weather-related tips.