The cutting pattern of the mower makes a difference only if your mower makes tracks. If your mower does compact the soil as you go, alternate the pattern to avoid making marks in your lawn. Fertilizing Fertilizing supplies grass with the nutrients it needs to grow and stay healthy. A good fertilizing program usually contains four or five feedings beginning with early spring, and then repeated every 8 weeks or so while the grass grows. The package label should list what percent it contains of each of these elements.
Nitrogen helps improve color and density of the grass.
Phosphorous enhances root growth. Potassium is good for the general health and vigor of the plant. Early Spring It is recommended that you wait until the first flush of spring growth before you fertilize. If your lawn had crabgrass last year, consider using a fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer for this application. Late Spring Fertilizing in late spring will help keep your lawn green through the summer months.