Time-strapped homeowners take heart-you can have an attractive lawn. Dedicating less than two hours a week to the average lawn can produce great results if you prioritize your tasks.

A recent survey revealed that consumers’ number one lawn care problem was finding enough time to care for their yards.

These time-savers are what he suggested.

Cut your lawn less often. Scalping your law and thinking you can mow less often should be avoided. It is far healthier to let grass grow a little longer than mowing too close. Damaged lawn is prevented from fending off disease, pests, and weeds because scalping damages grass blades. When you mow, cut only a third of the length of the grass.

Water more efficiently. Set the manually placed sprinklers (if that’s what you’re using) properly the first time you use them so they water as much of your lawn as possible without sprinkling sidewalks or driveways. Mark the locations so you won’t have to guess the next time. In case you can leave the sprinkler attached to a hose, then you can save a few more minutes and just unreel the hose. Water in the morning (perhaps while you are getting ready for work or getting the kids off to school) to enhance absorption and avoid evaporation.

Getting the kids to help. How about putting your kids in charge of easy yard care chores? Before you mow, have them clear away all toys, sticks and other objects. They can also help with watering. But children should be out of the area and under supervision before you start to mow.

Fertilizing once when it can do the most good is not a bad idea. Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer if you only have time for one application a year. If your application technique is not perfect, then it’s less likely to damage your lawn and it will also continue to work for weeks.

Keep your mower in good working order. Have it tuned up once a year or do it yourself (it takes 30 minutes or less; learn how at www.yardsmarts.com).

The Yard Doctor is part of the Briggs & Stratton Yard Smarts program, created to help homeowners achieve the yard they really want to have by providing knowledge and inspiration on lawn and yard care.

If you want your yard to look nice but are pressed for time, then mow the front lawn first and the back in a day or two.

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