1. Fertilize in Late August or September. - Use only nitrogen and only after a soil test demonstrates the need and only on new or young lawns (less than 10 years old)
2. Mow High - 3" or more for vigorous roots and to shade out weeds
3. Leave Clippings - They are high-quality, free fertilizer
4. Plant Appropriate (Endophyte-enhanced) Grass Species - They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, and compete better with weeds
5. Get Your Soil Tested - The only way to know just what the lawn needs is to do a soil test
6. Keep Turf Cover Dense - Higher density means fewer weeds - overseed, overseed, overseed
7. Core Aerate, Topdress or Mulch Leaves - Reduces thatch, improves soil structure and releases nutrients into the soil
8. Water Deep and Infrequently - Only if absolutely necessary, deeply soak the lawn once or twice a week with a total of 1" of water
9. Keep Fertilizer and Clippings Off Sidewalks and Driveways - Prevents runoff of nutrients into our waterways
10. Keep Mower Blades Sharp - A clean cut prevents disease
Taken from: Is Your Lawn Truly Green? Sage Advice from Top Northeast Experts by Paul Schlein Maine YardScaping Partnership www.yardscaping.org/.../YardScaping_Spring-Lawn-Article_final_5-23-08.pdf |