Have a Green Lawn with Less Work

Planting the right grass:  If you are planning on creating a lawn, whether by sodding, plugs, or seeds, find the type of grass that will grow best in your region for best results.   

Water correctly:  Not sure how much water your sprinkler is delivering? Set out tin cans (tuna cans work well) and keep an eye on their water level.  You will soon figure out how long you need to leave the water on for your grass to get what it needs (about 1-2 inches per week). 

Feed less often:  Applying fertilizer twice per season is best:  Spring and mid-Summer. Fertilizing too much will cause growth, which causes more mowing!  Spread fertilizer when the grass is dry, so the grains do not stick to damp blades and burn the plant. 

Maintain the mower:  Keep your mower’s blades sharp, as a dull blade leaves a jagged edge, which causes yellowing, and the need for more water. 

Know the magic number:  Different grasses require different cutting heights, and no more than one-third of that optimum number should be cut each time you mow. 

Let it grow:  Want less weeding and watering to do in your manicured lawn? Longer blades not only help shade the soil and retain moisture, but they do not allow weeds to get sunlight, or at least keep their growth to a minimum. 

No raking needed:  Using the mulching feature as you mow will allow the clippings to be cut well enough to leave on the lawn and become fertilizer as they decompose.