Try to water your lawn in a way that imitates a slow, soaking rain, by using trickle irrigation, soaker hoses, or other water-conserving methods. It's also best to water in the early morning, especially during hot summer months, to reduce evaporation. Then let the lawn dry out thoroughly before watering it again. The best rule is to water only when the lawn begins to wilt from dryness - when the color dulls and footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds. All grass forms a layer of dead plant material, known as thatch, between the grass blades and the soil.
Some grasses tend to form a thick layer of thatch.
Overuse of fertilizer can also create a heavy layer of thatch. You can reduce thatch by raking the lawn or using a machine that slices through the thatch layer to break it up. Sprinkling a thin layer of topsoil or compost over the lawn will also help. In a healthy lawn, microorganisms and earthworms help keep the thatch layer in balance by decomposing it and releasing the nutrients into the soil. Setting realistic goals will allow you to conduct an environmentally sensible lawn care program.