♦Soil Sampling. Consider having your soil sampled and analyzed. Make sure your soil has the correct pH level and key nutrients for healthy growth.

♦Grass Selection. Only use new and improved variety mixtures or blends that grow well in your area of Pennsylvania, meet your quality expectations and can accommodate your lawn activities, such as heavy use by children at play.

♦Mowing. Mow at the highest recommended height and mow often, never removing more than one-third of the left surface. Keep the mower blades sharp and grasscycle. Grasscycling, or leaving clippings on the lawn when you mow or when your lawn professional mows, allows nutrients to return to the soil.

♦Watering. Water deeply, but not too often. In general, watering should moisten the soil to a depth of 4-6”. Too much water can cause water quality and grass problems, increasing the chance of fungus or runoff and leaching of nutrients. And, it’s a waste of our precious water resources. Ask your lawn care professional what’s right for your lawn.

♦Fertilization and Pest Control. Apply the right amount and kind of fertilizer and pest control products at the right time and only when needed. Follow all label instructions and precautions. For best results, let your lawn care professional apply these products.

♦To help with maintenance needs, consider hiring a professional lawn care service. Many homeowners do more than 26 million households hired a green professional in 2000.