1. Set the mower blade to 3 inches, and never cut more than one-third of the total height of grass at one time. For a healthy lawn, be sure mower blades are sharpened frequently. Just think: How easily would you heal if you were cut with a dull blade?
Water
2. Lawns need about an inch of water per week (1 ½ inches in sandy soil). To find out how much that is, set out a few empty coffee cans under the sprinkler, and watch the clock. When an inch of water has accumulated, you'll know how long it takes to water properly. It should take several hours. If your sprinkler is putting out an inch of water per hour, much of that is running off. Set timers and adjust sprinkler output accordingly. Better yet, set the system to manual. Divide the total irrigation time needed into about two waterings a week, and be sure to compensate for rainfall.
It's important to water deeply and slowly so that moisture reaches roots. Watering lightly and frequently promotes short roots, which won't be able to suck up enough water to keep the grass healthy.
Not sure when to water? If your footprints are visible after walking on the lawn, it's time to turn on the sprinkler.
ADVERTISEMENT
Don't fertilize
3. Not during the summer, at least. If necessary, apply a slow-release fertilizer only twice a year -- around Memorial Day and Labor Day.
