First, calm down. You’re in good company. It’s getting hotter out there, and rain was a minimum this year. Many of our friends’ and neighbors’ lawns are experiencing the same trauma. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to keep your lawn greener for longer:

WATER – Use your lawn sprinklers daily, in the early morning, for about 8 minutes. Skipping on watering can create costly renovations later.

FEED – May is the ideal time in our area to fertilize with a nitrogen-heavy lawn food. Now is also a good time to apply some pre-emergent herbicide to cut down on summer weeds. Follow directions carefully for fertilizer and pre-emergents.

MOW HIGH & LEAVE CLIPPINGS – Don’t mow more than 1/3 of the grass leaf. Leaving the clippings adds important nutrients.

If you have a gardener, don’t assume s/he will do any of these items. ASK!