Creating a lawn that your neighbors will envy takes time and dedication. If you follow some very basic principles you will have a green lawn in no time. Here are some lawn care tips that will get your lawn in shape for BBQ season:

Mowing
• Mow the grass at a height of 2.5-4 inches.
• Do not set your mower too low. Cutting your grass too short will not allow your lawn’s roots to grow deep.
• Mowing should be done when the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass can cause disease.
• Use a high quality mower with a sharp blade.
• Sharpen the mower blades before mowing or at least once every 7-10 uses.
• Leave the clippings on the lawn. It will add nutrient as well will act as a mulch.

Watering
• Apply water to keep the soil moist.
• Soak your lawn so the water penetrates the soil. Applying water to the surface makes the grass roots grow very shallow.
• Water when there is need, otherwise do not water.
• Do not over water lawns. This will cause disease, water loss, and other problems in most lawns.
• Apply water in the early morning.
• Do not water in the evening, this may create problems for the lawn.

Fertilizing
• Use compost to improve the soil structure. You can apply compost at any time.
• Before seeding, mix compost and fertilizers in with the soil.
• In seeding, use a slow release fertilizer at the time of seeding. Again apply a fast release fertilizer after the seeds have germinated.
• Use commercial fertilizers which carry all the three major plant nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
• Fertilizer rates, application time and application process varies.
• There are different fertilizers available like organic, synthetic, inorganic, slow release, fast release etc. Use the appropriate fertilizer for your lawn and region.
• Tests your soil before applying fertilizers.

Overseeding and Replacing Sod
• The best time for over seeding is early fall.
• Important for lawns which get more shade.
• Add compost while overseeding.
• When replacing sod, cut the affected lawn out with a spade or shovel and create a nice crisp edge before planting the new sod.
• Add fertilizer to newly replaced area.
• After installing the sod, use a soil press or roll it to get contact with the soil

Aerating
• Aerate your lawn from time to time. Typically once in the fall and once in the spring.
• Keep checking I the soil to make sure it is ok.
• Use aeration to reduce compactness of soil and to remove the thatch.
• You can use mechanical and/or hand aerators.

Thatching
• Try to thatch at least once per year. Thatch can stunt the growth of lawn’s and can prevent healthy growth.
• Old thatch is difficult to remove.
• Use aeration to reduce thatch problems.

Pest Management
• Lawn pests need to be managed with organic methods or pesticides.
• You can use mechanical method, cultural method, chemical method or biological method to control pests.
• One option is to use chemical pesticides to control pests. Make sure you read the warning labels. You may also want to look at organic options if you have children or pets.
• While using chemicals, be sure to follow the instructions.
• Follow the recommended dose to avoid toxicity to the grass.

Weeding
• Weeding is very important and should be done in the fall and spring.
• Use pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides to kill the weeds.
• Mulching helps in weed control.
• Do not apply herbicide soon after seeding or after emergence of the grass seeds.