If you’ve noticed that your lawn is browning and has bare spots, you need to take some serious steps. The best way to make your lawn green is through regular mowing, watering, fertilizing and aerating.

To begin with, make sure your grass type is compatible with the soil. If it isn’t, consider working with your county cooperative extension office to test your soil for pH and mineral levels.

Mowing

The best way to make your lawn green is by mowing regularly. Mowing often enough to maintain your grass type at its recommended mowing height without removing more than one-third of the length of grass blades prevents ragged, torn grass and makes it more likely that your grass will grow thick and dense.

Variable mowing patterns also help keep grass blades from becoming permanently twisted and bent. This results in thin wheel ruts that cause your grass to be less dense and more prone to disease and pest problems.

Another time-saving mowing strategy is to change up your pattern every few days. For example, instead of mowing in straight rows, try mowing stripes diagonal to your house or another focal point on the property.

Concentric circles are also an efficient mowing technique that saves time by cutting down on the number of turns your mower makes. This method is particularly helpful if your lawn has lots of obstacles or if your yard is very irregular in shape.

Watering

Watering is one of the most important things you can do for your lawn. Not only does it help your lawn look greener, it can also keep it healthy and disease-free.

The best way to water your lawn is to provide the proper amount of water on a consistent basis. This can be accomplished by observing your soil and adjusting the amount of water you use accordingly.

For instance, you don’t want to overwater your grass because it will create a shallow root system that won’t be able to stand up to hot weather.

You should water your lawn about once a week, providing it with about one inch of water each time. This should be enough to hydrate the top 6-8 inches of soil.

The best time to water is early in the morning before nightfall. This gives the grass a chance to dry completely before the evening sun sets.

Fertilizing

The best way to make your lawn green is by fertilizing it the right way. That means the right mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to support healthy growth from your grass’s roots.

It also helps it resist fungus, heat, drought and extreme weather conditions so that it’s a lush, green carpet of turf instead of bare patches or mud puddles.

Fertilizing a lawn two to three times per year is the best way to keep it growing and looking its best. The first feed should be in spring after the last frosts have passed and then another in early summer to help your lawn deal with a hotter climate and retain its green color.

You can apply a lawn fertilizer with a spreader, but it’s easier and more efficient to use a hose-end sprayer or liquid formula. These come in time-release or quick-release formulations and are available with organic or inorganic materials, which provide a range of nutrients based on their chemical makeup.

Aerating

When the air, water and nutrients essential for grass roots can’t reach the soil, it can affect its appearance and overall health. Even a layer of compacted soil about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick can cause a significant impact on turf.

Soil compaction isn’t always obvious, but it happens more easily than you might think. The force of raindrops, repeated foot traffic and even lawn mowers can all pound on the ground, creating a crust that prevents air, water and fertilizer from reaching the roots of your grass.

Core aeration breaks up this soil layering to allow water, air and nutrients to penetrate more deeply into the root system of your grass plants. This results in thicker, deeper roots that can more effectively withstand environmental stressors and thrive under heavy use.

Aerating can also help restore a lawn’s color after browning has occurred. Browning can occur when grass is in too much of a moisture-rejection mode, unable to take in as much water as it’s letting out. Aerating helps reclaim its ability to absorb water and will make your grass green again in about a week.