After receiving several inquiries related to home lawn care from Warren County residents, the horticulture agent developed the Home Lawn Improvement Guidebook to help homeowners better understand the process for improving the appearance of their Kentucky lawns. This home lawn improvement guidebook was also intended to guide residents on the best time to carry out specific lawn care practices and the steps to help them achieve successful results. 

The horticulture agent designed the guidebook into 3 sections: lawn establishment, lawn maintenance, and pest control measures. Extension publications highlighted in the guidebook are provided by University for Kentucky turf specialists and other extension professionals. Warren County Extension Support Staff ran copies and assembled the final copies of the home lawn improvement guidebook. 

The home lawn improvement guidebook was marketed in September 2020 on the Farm and Home Show on WBKO Channel 13 out of Bowling Green, KY. The timing of the release was also the preferred time to carry out several home lawn maintenance practices for the Kentucky lawn. After the segment aired that morning, the Warren County Extension Service staff received numerous phone calls requesting a copy of the Home Lawn Improvement Guidebook. Some people had left voicemails before the office had even opened for business. 

A few individuals personally emailed the horticulture agent with their request to obtain a copy of the guidebook. Six other area county agents reached out to the horticulture agent wanting to get a copy, so they could share it with their clients. A total of 75 copies of the home lawn improvement guidebook were mailed and or picked up at the Warren County Extension Office.

In the spring of 2021, the horticulture agent distributed a post-evaluation survey via Qualtrics to measure other successes from the Home Lawn Improvement Guidebook. 100% marked that they found the guidebook helpful in carrying out home lawn improvement practices. Several survey respondents mentioned that they saved money, noticed less weeds and moles, and even saw a thicker lawn! One person noted to “add lawn care to some WBKO Farm Reports”. The Home Lawn Improvement Guidebook was also selected as the 2021 KACAA State Communication Winner for the Bound Book entry.