No matter how good you are at yardwork, the grass can actually be greener on your side of the fence-with a little free advice from the experts.

Throughout May, homeowners who have questions about their lawn, garden or lawn care equipment can get answers by phone or e-mail. Simply call the toll-free Briggs & Stratton Yard Smarts hotline, 1-866-YARD-TIPS (1-866-927-3847), or submit an e-mail by visiting www.yardsmarts.com. All questions will be answered personally within 48 hours. Also, each Friday in May, consumers can speak directly with lawn, garden and equipment experts from noon until 7 p.m. CDT.

Nationally known lawn care expert Trey Rogers, Ph.D., the Briggs & Stratton "Yard Doctor," and a team of lawn and garden professionals will field any questions homeowners may have related to their lawn, trees, flowers, weeds, pests, etc. In addition, a team of experts will respond to engine and equipment queries. Last year, Yard Smarts Hotline questions ranged from how to fight poison ivy to how to choose the right lawnmower-and everything in between. "No question is too simple or too difficult," says Rogers. "We're here to help homeowners and we welcome any lawn and garden questions they may have."

In addition to getting free answers and advice, hotline participants may also win prizes. Each week, the name of one lucky caller or e-mailer will be drawn and that person will receive his or her choice of a new lawn mower, pressure washer or string trimmer powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine.

In addition, from all the calls and e-mails received, one name will be drawn for the grand prize. Dr. Rogers will spend a day with the Yard Smarts hotline grand-prize winner to evaluate their lawn, provide advice on improving their yard, and answer any questions they may have. The grand-prize package also includes a piece of outdoor power equipment from Briggs & Stratton and a $500 gift certificate toward yard care improvements.

Yard Smarts is an educational program designed to build consumer knowledge, provide answers and expert advice, and give all consumers the confidence to handle yard care activities.

Trevor Russell