Creating a green and lush lawn takes time and dedication. There are basic principles as well as creative tips for proper lawn care.

Mow Lawn Frequently

Mow the lawn with high quality mower fitted with sharp blade will keep the lawn in good look and perfect shape. For proper lawn care, power blades should be sharpened once every 7-10 uses.


Set mower at 2.5 to 4 inches so as to allow lawn’s roots to grow deep. However, during hot weather mower can be set lower at 2 inches so as to reduce water use. Mowing should be done when the grass is dry as mowing wet grass may cause disease. Leave the grass clippings to decompose on the lawn so as to provide natural nutrients equivalent to one or two fertilizer applications.

Aerating And De-thatching

Aerate the lawn to loosen the soil, reduce soil compactness and remove thatches. Aeration allows air, water & vital nutrients to penetrate the roots. Aerate the lawn during the growing season, typically once in the fall and once in the spring. Mechanical spike-aerator is the most common type of commercial aerator available for proper lawn care.


Thatch is a dense layer of non-decomposed grass clippings, roots, & stems that gradually forms between soil and base of the grass plant. Thatches builds up when nitrogen-rich fertilizers are used. Frequent watering plus soil with high clay content can also contribute to the formation of thatch.


Thatch creates an ideal environment for insects & lawn diseases. Aeration is an effective mean to reduce thatch problems. De-thatch at least once per year to eliminate old thatch which is difficult to remove.

Alternatives to Pesticides and Chemicals

For proper lawn care, lawn pests need to be managed and the most common is to use chemical pesticides. However, when used incorrectly, pesticides can pollute water. They also kill both beneficial and harmful insects. Natural preventive alternatives to chemical pesticides are: Non-detergent insecticidal soaps, garlic, hot pepper sprays, water with liquid soap drops, used dishwater.


Plants that naturally repel insects are also useful alternatives. These plants have their own chemical defense systems, and when planted among flowers and vegetables, they help keep unwanted insects away. A partial list of nature’s alternatives is as follows: