• test and adjust soil conditions to promote healthy plant growth

• fertilize in the fall, if at all (fertilizing in the fall helps plants build deep, strong roots)

• reduce the size of your lawn by planting other kinds of plants

• make a place for clover, dandelions, violets, wild strawberry, and other native ground cover in your yard

• replace your bluegrass with native fescues which are drought tolerant, pest resistant, and can survive in both sunny and shady areas

• keep your lawnmower blades sharp to minimize damage to grass during mowing

• set your mower to leave grass 3 inches tall

• leave leaves and grass clippings on the lawn - they are 85% water and decompose quickly

• mow during dry conditions to prevent risk of fungus and disease

• seed over existing lawn in the fall when conditions are cooler and wetter

• add a thin layer (½ inch or less) of compost to your lawn to promote healthy soil and healthy plants

• use grass clippings, dead leaves and cuttings from prunings as free, natural fertilizer

• remove invasive plants from your yard

• plant native plants to eliminate the need for watering, fertilizers and pesticides

other actions