You may never have the perfect lawn, unless you hire a professional. 

1. Water Early In The Morning:
   This will help to avoid excessive evaporation.  Watering in the evening or night causes lawns to stay wet and encourages disease development.  Water only when it hasn't rained for 7 days.  To maintain a green lawn in cool or warm weather, your lawn needs 1" of water per week.  In hot, dry and windy weather, it will need 1 to 2" of water per week.  Most sprinklers produce between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inches of water per hour, or 2 to 4" per week. 
2. Mow Frequently & Leave Grass Clippings On The Lawn:
   This adds food and moisture and discourages weed encroachment.   Cut no more than an inch off the height each mowing, and leave grass height 2 1/2 inches to 3 1/2 inches long.  If clippings exceed 6" in length, rake them up and mix them into compost, or take them to a drop off site.
3. Have Your Soil Tested:
   Get your soil tested to determine what lawn management practices you need.  A test will tell you the type, amount and frequency needed to fertilize for a healthy lawn.
4. Fertilize Properly:
   Getting the results from a soil test will help you determine how to fertilize.  Use only the amount called for, based on your lawn's square footage.  Spread fertilizer in two directions for each application.
5. Garden & Landscape:
   Healthy plants in a garden or landscape create less waste and need less chemicals and water. The types and locations of trees in your yard can reduce heating & cooling costs.
6. Know Your Weeds:
   Weeds can tell you something about what's wrong with your lawn.  Take time to identify your weeds and treat them appropriately to strengthen and improve your lawn.  A weed free lawn is not necessarily a healthy one.
        Dandelions - may indicate that the grass is too thin.
        Hawkweed - may indicate that the soil is low in nutrients. 
        Plantain - may indicate that the soil is compacted or drains poorly.