1. Mow grass at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches tall. Keeping your grass at this height will help conserve soil moisture and will aid in preventing weed-seed germination and growth. In addition, more leaf area equals increased photosynthesis or the transformation of sunlight into more grass!

2. When possible, water your lawn with at least an inch of water a week.

3. Don't bag the grass, mulch it back into your lawn. Why? Free food! By not bagging your grass you're providing free organic matter back to the soil.

4. Core-aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. This helps loosen the soil, which allows oxygen and foliar-applied nutrients near the root zone. We recommend core-aeration be done in the fall; in the Midwest, mid-September is usually the best time to do this. After fall aeration, apply 2 to 3 lbs. of grass seed per 1000 sq. ft. This will promote early-season growth and will help choke out unwanted weeds in the spring. As a final step, apply the last Earthsoils® application (i.e., Soil Renew).

5.For unwanted weeds, pull them out! There are a lot of great tools available for de-weeding your lawn. This is not only great exercise, but it's an environmentally friendly option. If you choose to use chemicals, only use as much as "necessary", in other words, spot spray. If an area doesn't need to be treated, then don't treat it! Also, always read the label of any products you put on your lawn. Please be a responsible steward.

6. In the fall, we recommend that you bag your leaves. Yes, it is free organic matter, but you can have too much of a good thing. We also recommend that you set the mower height to around 2 inches. The summer stresses have passed and weed germination is low during this time. So feel free to let your mower down!

7. Whistle while you mow, and watch your lawn "glow" before your very eyes!