Common Lawn Treatments

Aeration

• Compacted soil does not let your grass develop a good root system. Such soil does not absorb adequate water. Aerating your lawn in the early spring and early summer treats this problem. Use a core aerator that pulls plugs of dirt out of the soil, loosening it and providing air circulation.

Fertilization

• Grass needs food. Feed it with a treatment of high-nitrogen fertilizers between September and mid-October. This helps it survive the winter and increases the speed with which it grows next spring.

Weed Control

• Weeds steal nutrients from your lawn. Giving your lawn regular treatments of weed killer prevents this problem. Follow the treatment schedule the manufacturer provides.

Clay Soil Amendments

• If your lawn's soil is high in clay, it does not have adequate drainage and becomes waterlogged. Covering your soil with approximately 2 inches each of sand and organic material remedies this situation. Mix them in to a depth of about 9 inches. Give this treatment before planting your lawn.