(Family Features) Think ahead with a good yard-care routine this year so you’ll have a backyard oasis through the year for entertaining or simply relaxing and enjoying the hazy, lazy days of summer with family and friends. There’s simply nothing that compares to running barefoot through the lush green grass, here are some tips to get started:

Fertilizers with slow release nitrogen produce long lasting green lawns.

1) Begin with a good spring clean up, which includes raking leaves and removing debris, tree guards and burlap. Just be careful not to remove mulch from perennials or shrubs too early, or to rake your flower garden too vigorously. Doing so could damage the soil, tendering new bulbs and emerging plants.

2) Clean, repair, sharpen, lubricate and tune all of your garden tools, mowers and trimmers, so they are ready to go when you are.

3) Testing your soil is the starting point of any lawn fertilization program. Consider testing your soil each time you plant new seed. State Extension services and private labs offer kits that let you mail in soil samples for analysis. The reports will give you an accurate reading of what your lawn needs and how much of it should be applied. While tests don’t have to be done every year, they are a good idea every three or four years.

4) Control crabgrass, dandelions and clover, three of the most common weeds you’re likely to see trying to take hold in your lawn. Crabgrass is best tackled before it emerges from the ground and begins to grow leaves. Conversely, members of the broadleaf weed family—like dandelions, clover, plantain, chickweed, and spurge—require a treatment that comes into direct contact with the plant’s leaves, so they must be dealt with, once they’ve made their appearance known. Be sure to choose a product that is best suited for your region.

Look for lawn fertilizers with a slow-release nitrogen ingredient for strong roots and long lasting results. Once you get it on the lawn, you’ll be done for the season because the slow-release nitrogen provides your lawn with controlled, steady nutrition, resulting in thicker, healthier grass. That means no excess growth, and less mowing.

5) Set your mowing height at 2 1/2 to 3 inches and mow at the same height all growing season. Try not to remove more than 3/4 inch of grass at any single mowing. Whenever possible, mow during the cooler morning or evening hours to avoid damage to the turf.

For additional lawn care tips and more information about the complete GreenView with GreenSmart product line, visit www.greenviewfertilizer.com or call 1-800-233-1067.

(ARA) – We all do it—it’s the middle of the day and you just need a flavorful pick-me-up to get you to that 5:00 hour. You drag yourself to the vending machine, scan the options to make sure you’re making a sensible selection, pop in a few quarters and out rolls a diet soda to give you that boost of energy you need.

Soda may have the fizz and the caffeine you’ve been seeking, but are you really making the most tasteful selection?

Now that summer is here and the temperature is heating up, it’s the perfect time to break up with your soda. Try these simple tips to help you ditch your soda and experience the new you.

• Whether you’re planning to be outdoors or jumping in the car for a road trip, bring along a reusable water bottle. Facilities often have water fountains where you can easily refill your bottle.

• Caffeine and soda may go hand in hand, but sipping water throughout the day is the easiest way to stay hydrated and keep your energy up in the heat.

• If you get bored with plain water, add flavor. Add one of the water mix-ins found in your local grocery store. With an assortment of flavors and most at five calories or less per serving, you can drink all the water you want without having to compromise.

• Grab a friend. An accountability partner can keep you on track and motivated. What’s even better, now you can share the experience with a friend so you’ll both feel better.

Now that you’re prepared to kick the soda routine, fill up your water bottle, grab your friend and toast to drinking more water all summer long. This small change can help you have a vibrant, flavorful summer.

Need even more motivation? Crystal Light is sponsoring the Flavor Over Fizz Challenge to reward consumers who choose flavor over fizz this summer. Join the movement on Facebook to declare yourself soda free for a chance to win fun prizes this summer.
To take the Challenge and declare yourself soda free, connect with Crystal Light on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CrystalLight). No purchase necessary. Visit the Facebook page for complete details and official rules (http://bit.ly/l5LIA8)

Content provided by
Crystal Light

With summer temperatures already breaking well-over 80 degrees, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development’s (MDARD) Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Frank offers a few tips to keep your furry, four-legged family members healthy and happy this summer.  “Our cats, dogs and other companion animals can be just as uncomfortable in the heat and humidity as we are and can quickly become dangerously overheated,” said Frank. “Pets can suffer from heat stroke, dehydration, and even sunburn. So it’s critical you use sound, common sense practices like not leaving your pet in a car. Even if you park it in the shade and have the windows partially open, it only takes a few minutes for temperatures inside the car to reach deadly levels.” While all dogs and cats are at risk, older or very young pets, overweight pets, those with heavy coats, and short-nosed dogs may need extra care. Owners need to limit their exercise to early morning and evening on hot and humid days as asphalt becomes very hot, keep the water bowl refreshed, and be sure a cool environment is always nearby. If your pet is panting excessively or has difficulty breathing, drools excessively or un-characteristically, has difficulty walking, appears weak or in a stupor, immediately place your pet in the shade or air conditioning and apply cool—not cold—water to reduce the animal’s core body temperature. Get help from a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.  The following are some other simple summer pet safety tips: *Beware of toxic agents such as plant food, insecticides, fertilizer, coolants, citronella candles, oil products, and insect coils that may be around the home and yard. *The heat, loud noise, and confusion of crowded summer events can stress pets and isn’t an enjoyable experience for them. Even unlit fireworks can be an issue as many contain toxic compounds like potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, and arsenic. *Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar or identification such as a tag or microchip. *Maintain recommended heartworm medication since the potentially deadly heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.