Chris Johnson, a horticulturist, shares that there are essentially 4 steps to maintaining a lawn full of vitality. The following are the steps that should be practiced on a regular basis:

1. Regularly assess the hydration level of the grass that makes up your lawn: All life is ultimately dependent on water. Similarly, when it comes to your garden it is important to ensure that adequate levels of moisture are retained. Be careful not to flood your garden with excessive water; check that your lawn is equipped with suitable drainage so that it may never resemble a bog!

2. Use the 'right' fertilizer: Just like your plants, your lawn also needs to be nourished with fertilizer, especially during the growing period (spring to late summer). You should choose a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, as it will stimulate leaf growth. Avoid using fertilizers with high phosphorous content, as it will encourage the growth of clovers and coarse grass.

3. Mow your lawn regularly: Your lawn mower should always be handy; keep the blades sharp and clean. Regular mowing of the lawn allows for the removal of dead, matted grass. Remember! Do not mow the lawn when it is wet, as the soil will be further compressed. Do not mow the lawn too close to the scalp, as this will render your lawn more vulnerable to moss and weeds.

4. Use patching techniques: Regularly check your lawn for possible diseased patches, which upon discovery should be removed and/or treated with some fungicide.

This is also another great article about fertilizing you lawn & garden.

If you like lawn care....These pages might also interest you:

All About Weeds, Common Lawn Problems, Controlling Lawn Diseases, Four Steps to a Great Lawn, How to Water Your Lawn, Inexpensive Lawn Fertilizer, Lawns in Shady Areas, Thatching, Turf Secrets, Types of Lawn Recreation, Care Free Lawns, Creating a Perfect Lawn, Earth Friendly Golf Courses, Feeding Your Lawn, Fertilizing Basics, Mowers and Pollution, Natural Ways to Fertilize, The Right Time To Fertilize, Types of Lawn Fertilizers