Do it Yourself Yard Work

Mow

• 1

  Mow the yard regularly to strengthen the roots.

• 2

  Mow in different directions each time you mow. Prevent the grass from lying flat by mowing in different directions.

• 3

  Mow with a sharp blade. Take the blade or the mower to a repair shop and have the blade sharpened periodically so the blade cuts the grass rather than tearing it.

• 4

  Cut only the top one-third of the blade of grass when mowing. Avoid shocking the lawn by cutting it too short. Use a mulching mower and leave the mulch on the lawn; the clippings degrade and feed the lawn.

Water

• 5

  Water the lawn in early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation.

• 6

  Water the lawn for an hour or two once a week to achieve deep watering and stronger roots. Increase the number of waterings in extreme heat or drought.

• 7

  Use drip irrigation hoses or sprinklers that keep the water close to the ground for more effective watering.

Feed and Seed

• 8

  Fertilize the lawn with a high-quality time-release fertilizer in the spring.

• 9

  Fertilize with a high-quality fertilizer plus weed controller in mid-May to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from choking out the grass.

• 10

  Use a fertilizer with bug control in mid to late summer to prevent damage causing pest infestations.

• 11

  Overseed your lawn every fall. Overseeding is applying seed to the lawn with a spreader in one direction and then reseeding the lawn with a spreader in the other direction.