Good mowing and watering creates a healthy lawn, saving you time and money on unhealthy fertilizers and pesticides. The first and last mowing of the year should be short – about 2 inches. Otherwise, raise your blade to its highest setting. Grass roots will grow longer and healthier, surviving droughts. Grass that is 3-4 inches tall looks great and shades out many weeds. Never cut grass to less than 2 inches because the roots will be similarly short, and your lawn will then be more vulnerable to weeds and drought. Leave clippings where they fall. They break down quickly, returning nitrogen to the soil. They do not create thatch. No need for special mulching mowers — regular ones are fine. Sharpen mower blades once a year, on your own, or at the hardware store. Dull blades create a ragged cut that weakens the grass. Mow on a regular basis, especially in spring when lawns grow fast. This keeps you from cutting off more than a third of the height in any one pass, which stresses the grass. Don’t mow wet grass, especially if the ground is soaked, or you’ll compact the soil. Compacted soil is the main cause of weak grass and thick weeds. If you water your lawn, do it once a week, deeply. Set out a dish and water until one inch has accumulated. This promotes deep roots. Water in the morning – not evening – to prevent fungus issues. When the peak of summer heat arrives, it’s easier on your lawn to let it rest rather than repeatedly force it to break dormancy with occasional watering.