Having a well-manicured lawn is like having an outdoor trophy – everybody stops to admire it and it makes you look as if you did something really worthwhile. Beyond that, a great-looking lawn is a sight to behold, something you can be proud of and look forward to when you're coming home from work. So to make yours remain spic-and-span for a long time, make sure to minimize problems as early as possible.

Here are common problems with and what you can do:

Weeds These are plants, but they can destroy the good looks of your lawn in no time. First, identify what type of weed(s) you're dealing with – annuals, biennials or perennials. Destroy them when they are still young, usually in early spring, late spring or fall. If you're planning on using chemical herbicides, ask your local retailer for advice on which weed killer to use and make sure to follow instructions to the letter.

If, however, your effort fails after one year, consider using a herbicide to destroy all your grass. Let it rest for a few weeks and then simply replant.

Bugs A common source of problems, bugs can be such pests because they like to eat your plants. Bugs can either target the leaves or go for the roots. Worse, they leave eggs that can be as unsightly as they are destructive. If you notice those patches of dying brown grass on your lawn before the fall season, you might be having problems with bugs.

Try to control the problem with carefully chosen insecticide during summer when the eggs are newly laid. Combine with a good measure of fertilizer to give your plants a boost.

Dog Urine If you have canine friends, your lawn grass may be in a little bit of trouble thanks to that concentration of liquid fertilizer on certain (favorite) spots. You can't stop your dogs from relieving themselves and you shouldn’t, so try coaxing Fido into drinking more water to help dilute his urine. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

Mushrooms and Toadstools They may look out of place, but they're actually a sign that your lawn is thriving and that you're probably using the right methods. They won't harm your plants and they will disappear on their own without you doing anything.

Bare Patches If there are certain areas in your lawn that have bald spots, check if these are high traffic areas. Consider using stone paths to protect the spots instead. If not, rake the soil in spring or early in the fall and reseed. Keep moist for two to three weeks.

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