A healthy green lawn complements a neat house perfectly. However, a lush lawn depends on a number of different factors: healthy soil, fertilizer application, frequency and height of mowing, aeration, dethatching, irrigation and pest control. A properly managed lawn will stay green and attractive much of the year, minimize environmental impact and consume fewer resources. Properly cultivated lawns can outcompete weeds and other pests without the need for applications of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Mow grass regularly at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches and leave the clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings will gradually decay and slowly add nitrogen back into the soil. The exact frequency of mowing will vary according to local weather and soil conditions, but as a general rule lawns should be mowed frequently enough to remove no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Lawns mowed too low or high can promote weed germination.
Remove thatch regularly. Thatch comes from the buildup of living and dead plant material on the top layers of the soil and can be especially problematic in lawns fertilized regularly with high-nitrogen fertilizer. Excessive thatch inhibits water absorption and blocks sunlight, as well as providing a haven for insects and other lawn pests. Mechanical dethatching is the most efficient method for removal.