Your lawn is the first thing guests see when they walk up to your home, and achieving that green, lush appearance is simple enough—if you know the lawn care basics. Follow our grassy guide for a gorgeous, green lawn all summer long.

Fertilizing Facts
To grow healthy and strong, your lawn needs nutrients, and that means regular fertilizing. Fertilizer helps your grass and plants grow evenly, while combating environmental factors, such as heat, dry weather, and insects. Fertilizer should be applied four to five times a year, beginning in March and continuing through October. Ensure even distribution when applying fertilizer by using a spreader and walking at a steady pace.

Wake Up and Water
If fertilizer is the secret to a lush lawn, then watering is the prerequisite. Here are some tips to keep in mind before turning on the hose:
�?nbsp; Most lawns need at least one inch of water a week.
�?nbsp; Stick to deep, infrequent waterings to sustain a healthy root system.
�?nbsp; Water your lawn during the early morning hours. During the day, water can evaporate, and at night, your lawn is so damp, additional watering can risk disease.
�?nbsp; Try to water during periods of low wind and minimal sun.

Get More from Your Mow
Yes, unfortunately, you have to mow a lawn to keep it looking great. But there are tips and tricks to mowing that can actually make your lawn look better. Try one or more of these techniques the next time you give the grass a trim.

�?nbsp; Mow at least once a week, twice in the spring when grass is growing faster.
�?nbsp; Never cut more than 1/3 of the length of the grass when mowing.
�?nbsp; Keep your mower blade sharp. This ensures a clean cut of the mowed grass blades. Otherwise, the blade tears at the end of the grass, rather than cutting it clean. This could leave ragged ends that later turn brown and give the lawn a dried-out look.
�?nbsp; Each week, try mowing in a different direction (horizontally, vertically, diagonally) to prevent grass compaction.

A healthy lawn can do more than just enhance your home's curb appeal. It can have a cooling effect during the hot summer months, resist insects, trap dust and dirt in the air, and create an overall healthier environment. Is there any reason not to get your lawn in tiptop shape and keep it that way?