Proper Lawn Care - Fertilizing and Watering

How often a lawn should be fertilized depends on whether or not the grass clippings are allowed to stay on the lawn. Over the course of a growing season they can supply up to half of your lawn's nitrogen needs. Grass clippings also provide food for earthworms, which help to aerate and enrich the soil. Using organic fertilizers will encourage earthworms to remain.

A spring application of fertilizer should be spread about a month before the lawn starts active growth. Fall applications promote strong, deep root growth. Well-rooted grass can compete better against weeds for water and nutrients. It can survive drought better. Fall fertilization should be done in late August to early September, while the grass is still active. If grass clippings aren't mulched into the lawn, lay down a second application in November. Always water fertilizer in well for several days.

Do not over-fertilize your lawn. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots. Follow instructions carefully. Run-off that gets into the water system is also a concern. Be sure to sweep up any excess from sidewalks and driveways.

Most established lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply once per week in the morning. If the weather is exceptionally hot or windy, water twice per week. Some grasses go dormant during hot weather for a few weeks without supplemental watering. This won't harm the grass, so you can just let it follow its natural cycle. If you prefer a lush lawn, plan to water twice a week. Be consistent, though; an irregular is stressful to the grass.