Plant Earthworms - They'll eat the cut grass, aerate the soil and provide castings for free fertilizer. Water - During dry periods, allow your lawn to enter a natural dormancy. Or, plant tall fescue, which is adapted to drought conditions and does not require summer irrigation. Pesticides - Healthy lawns don't have insect problems. Weed killers can harm gardens, trees, shrubs and breed resistant weeds.
Pesticides kill worms and beneficial insects.
Dandelions - Cut out by hand at the root, several inches below ground. Aerate - Compacted soil promotes weeds. Aerate twice a year and add a soil loosener like gypsum or compost. Reseed bare spots. Test - Compacted soil's ph, composition and nutrient level to determine its condition.