Lawn Care Maintenance Advice

Misconceptions

• Two mistakes people make in caring for lawns is mowing too low and watering too frequently. Raise the mower blade to keep the lawn at least 2 to 3 inches high. The lawn requires less water and has fewer weeds and disease problems. Water lawns deeply one or two times per week, depending on the climate. Watering lightly every day encourages the grass roots to stay near the surface of the soil.

Fertilizer

• Fertilizing in early spring produces lush, vegetative growth at the expense of root development. Instead, fertilize in early fall before the first hard frost. The roots take in more of the nutrients and the plants focus on strong root development rather than green growth. You'll notice a difference the following spring.

Considerations

• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings do not contribute to thatch problems, but break down into nitrogen- rich fertilizer when the lawn is properly maintained. Bag the clippings if the grass is very long.