Always use

a mulching mower. When you cut your grass with a mulching mower, you

not only save the time of emptying bags or raking cut grass, but the clippings

also provide added nutrients to your soil. The old belief was that clippings

contribute to harmful thatch buildup. However, the deck and blade design

of today's mulching mowers cut each blade of grass several times, producing

a finely chopped clipping.

Change your

watering habits. Reduce time spent watering by following a deep watering

routine. Employ infrequent deep watering rather than frequent surface

watering. It's best to do this in the morning or early afternoon to allow

the lawn to dry before evening. Overall, the key is to try to mirror nature's

normal pattern of rainy periods followed by brief dry spells. Also, since

taller grass maintains moisture better, don't cut your grass as short.

Finally, apply mulch around shrubs, trees and ornamentals to help keep

in moisture.

Raise your

mower. Another reason not to cut your grass as short is that taller

grass grows slower. Slow growth translates into a lower frequency of mowing.

Select a length that's short enough to be aesthetically pleasing, yet

long enough to extend the time between mowing (generally 1-1/2 inches

to 3 inches). Plus, longer grass has a greater surface area on which to

carry out photosynthesis, which results in healthier plants.

Don't overfeed.

It's important not to over fertilize your lawn. Not only will it burn

your grass, but it stimulates unwanted growth (and more mowing). You can

save additional work here by using combination products that provide nutrition

in addition to other core benefits. Preen 'n Green for Lawns not only

controls weeds but also provides a slow, controlled release of nutrients

to nourish lawns for up to four months. It essentially combines the first

two steps of the traditional four-step program. Only one application is

needed during the growing season.

Alter your

path. Mow your lawn in a different direction with each mowing, especially

with lawns of shorter grass types. Altering the direction ensures a more

even cut since grass blades will grow more erect and will be less likely

to develop into a set pattern. Unevenly cut grass will grow in unevenly.

The poor appearance will likely drive you to mow more frequently.

For more lawn

care information, call 800/233-0626 or visit www.preen.com.

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