Although most people prefer to have an enviable lawn, not as many are aware of the basics of lawn care, to keep that enviable look going. Mowing, sowing seeds, spraying for weeds, and watering, are rather simple and a necessary part to proper lawn care.

Consider these basics when planning your lawn care program;

Mowing - The frequency of mowing, grass height, and the lawn movers themselves play a part. Research has shown that root development was more than double when the grass was mowed at a height of 2.0 inch or more. Typically, a lawn mowed too short will have a shallow and thin root system. Closely mowed lawns usually exhibit stress first. Higher mowing heights will keep soil temperatures cooler and preserve soil moisture, thereby reducing stress. Your mowing frequency should be enough so that only about 1/3 of the grass blade height is cut each time. The cutting bladed on you mower should be kept sharp to cleanly cut the grass blades to avoid tearing or shredding of the blade which in turn increases moisture loss.

Aeration - Lawn aeration (removal of small soil plugs) once a year, is also important to proper lawn care. Increasing soil micro-organism activity, water, nutrient and oxygen into the soil, improved rooting and helps hold fertilizer.

Fertilization - Your lawn care should include fertilization with a composition of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer packaging must state the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (in this order). Research has shown that fertilization in the fall (August or September) and late fall (October, November or December) is ideal and give the most benefits. However, lawns do need to be fertilized periodically --- but not less than eight to ten week intervals --- throughout the growing season as well.

Watering - Watering is about the simplest part of lawn care. The average lawn requires no more than about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. This can be easily measured using a straight sided can (like an empty tuna can) and placing it in your lawn/garden area where it will have proper access to watering and rain. Then simply measure the height of the water each time it rains or the lawn is watered.

Over-seeding (sowing seeds on an existing lawn) is a commonly overlooked practice in most lawn care programs but vital to keeping your lawn thick and improve weed control. Grass gets tired and need help. Over-seeding in the fall is ideal for new grass development the following year. Over time grass production naturally slows. Over-seeding helps by introducing new life to your lawn.