Raise A Green Dog

Your dog will tell you there is nothing better than a soft, thick lawn to romp in, play fetch in -- oh, and poop in, BOL! Aerating is a great organic way to healthy up your grass for a pawesome lush lawn come spring.

All that running around with your dog can really compact a yard. Loosening up the soil will help it absorb nutrients, provide air and drainage, and allow it to more easily accept reseeding and fertilizing.

Aerating involves the removal of small soil plugs, either through special sandals (available at garden centers for about $15) or by renting a machine at your local hardware store. Give your lawn a once-over this fall before reseeding and fertilizing, and you and your dog can enjoy its lush greenness together in the spring.

Leslie May and Johann (the dog) are the founders of Raise a Green Dog, an online portal for all things green and healthy for your dog.