Steps for a Green Lawn

Soil Testing

• Assessing your lawn's need for phosphorus, lime or other nutrients is done by taking a soil sample. The sample should consist of 10 soil cores that are 5 to 7 inches deep. Mixing the cores together helps ensure an accurate reading. According to the University of Wisconsin Extension, soil testing should be done every three to five years by taking the soil sample to your local cooperative extension office.

Fertilizer

• Creating a green lawn requires choosing the right fertilizer based on your soil sample results. For instance, if the pH is below 6.0, lime is required. Fall is the best time to fertilize cool-season laws, and warm-season lawns need fertilizer in the spring and early summer. Measure your lawn and only use the amount recommended on the manufacturer's instructions. Use a rotary spreader instead of a drop spreader to avoid a striped fertilizer pattern on your lawn; it also allows you to apply fertilizer faster. Also, when applying fertilizer, make sure the grass is dry and then water it afterward.

Water

• The proper amount of water at the right time of day helps keep your lawn green. According to American Lawns' website, between three-quarters and 1 inch of water per week is required for turf lawns to remain green . Watering your lawn in the morning, when dew is on the ground, is recommended when nighttime temperatures drop below 68 degrees. If nighttime temperatures are higher, early evening or late afternoon watering is best, since it reduces the amount of evaporation.

  Developing a watering plan helps prevent signs of stress from your lawn. For instance, when grass becomes susceptible to foot printing -- it does not rise back up after you walk on it -- your lawn is showing signs of stress. When watering your lawn, figure in the amount of rainfall your lawn received, since over-watering your lawn can make it susceptible to pests and causes stormwater runoff problems that lead to water pollution.

Mowing

• Cutting your grass to around 3 inches tall allows the roots to remain protected. After cutting the lawn, leave the clippings on the lawn and let them degrade to act as mulch, holding in water and nutrients. Make sure that your mower's blades are sharp to produce an even cut on your lawn; this also helps to ensure a greener lawn by preventing trauma to the grass blades. Also, mowing late in the day, around 6 or 7 p.m., helps prevent damage from the sun.