How to Make My Lawn Lush and Thick

Avoid over-mowing your lawn. According to the Colorado State University Extension, 2 inches is the recommended length of grass to keep the lawn lush and green. Any lower and the grass will begin to suffer from drought and become more susceptible to insect and animal damage.

Allow the grass clipping to remain on your lawn. Spread a 1-inch layer of the clippings over the lawn and allow them to decompose and release vital nutrients into the soil.

Provide the lawn with a 1- to 2-inch layer of water every week during the hottest months of the year or during periods of drought. Water the lawn in the morning to ensure less moisture is lost to evaporation, according to the Ohio State University. Avoid overwatering to prevent damage the root systems of the grass and surrounding vegetation.

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the lawn according to the package direction. Fertilize the lawn during the fall months and then every eight to 10 weeks during the spring and summer to promote healthy lawn growth. Do not over-fertilize the lawn, especially if you are using grass clippings as a supplemental source of nitrogen and other nutrients.

Treat weeds with a mixture of 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Spray the mixture directly onto the weeds and allow it to remain before mowing. The lawn mower will remove the dead weeds, which are then used as a nutrient source when the clippings are spread.