Let s get real here.

If you ve ever gazed out on Fifth Third Field or a nice-looking golf course and

thought, I m going to grow grass like that: thick, lush, greener than green, and as soft as plush carpet! you must accept this: Ain t going to happen.

Unless you re a yard-obsessive maniac with lots of money, or you pay relatively big bucks for a lawn service that slathers your grass with spooky-looking chemicals, you re more than likely stuck with bald spots, weedy blemishes, and stubborn

areas where the grass just won t grow.

And in tough economic times, the last thing any of us wants to do is dump a lot of money on a lawn that will ultimately leave us frustrated.

So here s the deal.

First, take a deep breath.

Now understand that there are simple ways to tend what is likely the biggest, most visible plant on your property so that you can spend less, pollute less, and relax more. And don t get crazy about dandelions or crabgrass as long as they re in

moderation.

We asked The Blade s garden columnist, Kelly Heidbreder, and Chris Foley, Owens Community College associate professor in the landscaping and turf management program, for a few simple principles that will lead to a consistently decent-looking

lawn.

First Published May 14, 2008, 9:45 a.m.