How to Win the Yard of the Month Award Cheat Sheet

Everyone wants to win the Yard of the Month Award. This coveted award is offered by many cities, towns, communities, and home owners associations for the yard in the area which has strong curb appeal, quality design, and has shown significant improvements over time. If your community has an available list of criteria which are graded for choosing the Yard of the Month, see if you can obtain a copy, but in lieu of that, this "cheat sheet" will get you well on the road toward earning this coveted award.

Curb Appeal

q Are grassy areas along sidewalks and driveways neatly edged? This is an absolute must. Carefully edged lawns look extra-neat and appealing. Do not scrimp on the time required to perform this task perfectly.

q Is the lawn cut too short? A lush lawn requires that the lawnmower blades be set to a medium to high setting. Grass which is cut too short appears sparse and also is susceptible to insect infestations.

q Are sidewalks, paths, and driveways free of trash and clutter? Nothing will count against you as much as having a bit of trash or clutter visible from the curbside. Remove any items not needed such as toys, buckets, trashcans which should be in the garage, or any other unattractive items.

q Are there weeds present? Be sure your lawn is completely weed-free. Just one dandelion sneaking into the lawn and blooming can ruin your chances of winning Yard of the Month.

Trees and Shrubs

q Is area around tree trunks properly groomed? If you have grass around the base of trees, you want to be certain to trim with a weed-eater for perfect grooming. If you have ground cover and borders or mulch under your trees, be sure the area is weed free and attractive. No matter the time of year, fallen leaves should be completely cleaned away.

q Are shrubs properly groomed? Shrubs can be trimmed into any style you like from topiaries to simple flat top shapes, but they must be neat and recently groomed. They must add to the landscape rather than detract from it. If shrubs are located under the windows, be sure they are not taller than the bottom window sill. Shrubs should be healthy and have no deadwood or yellowed leaves so groom these away.

Flowering Plants

q Are seasonal plants in bloom and properly groomed? The flowers which should be in bloom during the current season should be showing healthy, lush blooms. Any dying flower heads should be removed as well as any dead leaves. All weeds should be carefully removed.

q Are the flowering plants placed in attractive layouts? Design your flower bed so that the various plants are planted attractively. Taller plants should be in the back of a square or long flower bed with smaller plants in front. For a free-standing flowerbed, tall plants go in the middle and smaller plants toward the outside.

q Do the flower colors compliment one another and the home? Choose flowering plants so that the color scheme is pleasant and compliments the colors of the home. If your home is brick or white, any color scheme will blend well, but the flowers must still coordinate with the other flower colors.

Greenery and Decorative Grasses

q Are vines and decorative grasses well-groomed? Vines should be wound around arbors or other stands which support their upward growth properly, displaying them optimally. Decorative grasses such as pampas grass must be perfectly groomed; remove any yellowing leaves leaving only healthy greenery.

q Are decorative grasses used as borders groomed well? Often low-growing grasses are used as borders around flower beds or along walkways. These grasses also must be well groomed.

Lawn Decorations and Furniture

q Are law decorations such as fountains attractive and well-maintained? A water fountain can be beautiful and provide water for wild birds. But it must be algae, leaf, and debris free. Do not place too many decorative objects on the lawn. One focal item is sufficient. Using several lawn decorations gives a cluttered look and takes away from a single great focal point.

q Is lawn furniture neat and well maintained? If you have lawn furniture, benches, or even a porch swing visible from the front of the home, be sure it is in good repair and arranged attractively. In the case of a wooden swing, paint it if the paint is peeling or discolored.

If you follow the guideline in this How to Win the Lawn of the Month Cheat Sheet, your chances of earning the sought-after award are quite good. Skipping only one guideline can cost you the award, so be diligent and cover every base.

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