Housing officials reward residents for best-kept yard Published June 21, 2013 By Airman 1st Class James Hensley 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- How would you like to win a $100 gift card simply for taking care of your lawn? Balfour Beatty Communities created the "Yard of the Month" program to recognize and inspire base housing residents to take pride in their homes and better their quality of life by improving their landscaping in the Luke Air Force Base housing community. "This gives us great curb appeal," said Donnell Oakley, BBC community manager. "It makes our community one where families want to live." There are five categories the yards are evaluated on: consistent maintenance, tasteful and creative landscaping, lawn accents, good use of seasonal color and overall appearance. Consistent maintenance includes regular watering, mowing, edging, weeding and removal of pet waste and trash. Earning the title of "Yard of the Month" motivates residents to continue improving their lawns. "We have had residents who won two months in a row," Oakley said. "Once you win, you have to significantly improve your yard the following month to win again." Oakley said the BBC provides materials and equipment for use on the lawns including grass seed, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, shovels and more. "Yard of the month" winners receive a $100 gift card along with a decorative sign to display in the yard. In addition, winners get their photo taken for the BBC website and possible use in the Thunderbolt. The program runs annually April to October. To nominate a yard for consideration, residents should fill out a "Yard of the Month" application. All applications must be submitted by the last Monday of the month to be considered for that month.