Water deeply and infrequently. Apply 1-2 inches of water at each irrigation. Water every other day during drought periods, otherwise 2-3 times a week as needed to keep lawn vigorous. Light and frequent watering promotes disease and encourages shallow root growth. A lawn with shallow roots is more susceptible to drought damage than turf with deep roots.

The lawn will use more water in hotter areas, i.e. next to buildings, asphalt, walks, etc. and where tree roots are shallow.
Measure the amount of water you apply using several straight sided cans scattered upright under the sprinklers. Check to see if you are applying enough water by digging a hole a couple of hours after watering. The water should penetrate at least eight inches.
Apply the water slowly enough that it does not run off. If you cannot change the sprinkler nozzle or head, turn off the sprinkler for 30 minutes when runoff occurs. Annual aeration improves moisture penetration.

MOWING
A well groomed lawn is able to resist insects, disease and weeds. Follow these guidelines for proper mowing.

Mow when grass is 1/3 to 1/2 times over recommended height. Generally, the lawn will need to be mowed every 5 - 7 days during peak growing season and every 7 - 10 days during slower growing periods.
Suggested Mowing Heights:
Bluegrass 2 -3 inches
Fine Fescue 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches
Tall Fescue 3 - 4 inches

Sharpen mower blades frequently so they do not tear or shred the grass blades. Dull blades will give the lawn a whitish cast.
Never mow off more than 1/3 of the blade at mowing. Mowing too short exposes the lower stems to sunlight, causing then to burn and turn brown. If the grass is too high, reduce the height a little at a time.
If the lawn is healthy it is not necessary to remove the grass clippings if the clippings are able to drop out of sight into the lawn. Clippings do not contribute to the buildup of thatch and are beneficial to the lawn’s health. If clippings sit on top of the awn, remove them to avoid smothering the grass.
Do not mow wet grass.

FERTILIZER
Fertilizers supply the nutrients a lawn needs to grow well and remain healthy. Follow these guidelines for proper fertilization.

Use a fertilizer that supplies all three major nutrients, nitrogen, phosphate and potash. Read all labels before application. Follow all recommended application rates. Too much nitrogen during periods of stress causes lawn disease. Avoid heavy fertilization during stress periods. Cool season grasses are under stress during hot weather./
Spread fertilizer evenly using a drop spreader or broadcast spreader. Follow all recommended application rates.
Apply fertilizer to moist soil and water thoroughly after application. This dilutes the dissolved fertilizer and prevents it from burning the lawn.
Do not apply fertilizer with pre-emergents to newly seeded lawns.

The following is an example of a well balanced fertilizer application program:

Early Spring Granular fertilizer/pre-emergent
Late Spring Broadleaf weed control/pre-emergent
Early Summer Granular slow release fertilizer
Early Fall Granular fertilizer
Late Fall Granular fertilizer

For further specific information regarding fertilizer types, turf disease, insect control, etc., please consult with your local extension agency or the public library.