Steps:
- Every autumn, run a core aerator over entire lawn to relieve compaction and allow water and nutrients to penetrate into the soil.
- Spread an even layer of compost over the lawn to improve the soil.
- In early spring, run a power dethatcher over lawn to remove dead grass and leaves.
- Rake up the thatch and dump it into a compost pile.
- Rake new grass seed over bare spots in lawn.
- Use a soil tester to evaluate health of soil and to how much lime and fertilizer to add.
- Use broadcast spreader to add lime, and then fertilizer to lawn.
- Mow the lawn, making sure to raise or lower the mowing deck to the optimum height. It’s best to cut off no more than ⅓ of the grass blades with each mowing.
- A mulching lawnmower blade will chop grass clippings into very fine particles and blow them back down into the lawn. If using a non-mulching mower, be sure to bag the clippings.
- Use a lawn sprinkler to apply 1 inch of water per week. Apply the inch of water during two or three applications per week.
- Use an automatic timer to water the lawn in the very early morning, some time between 4am and 6am.