Tips to keep your lawn healthy and green

NAPSI - Our lawns enhance the look of homes and add to property values. They serve as a place to relax and as a play area for kids and pets. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and give back fresh oxygen. Lawns are also expensive. Sod can cost about $500 for 1,000 square feet.

"The easiest way to achieve the goal of a beautiful lawn and protect your investment is to really think about grass as a living, breathing thing," says Bayer Advanced Garden Expert Lance Walheim, co-author of "Lawn Care for Dummies." "Your lawn requires a proper diet of water and fertilizer, regular haircuts and protection against the things that can harm it."

Four Ways To Enhance The Health Of Your Lawn

• Deep watering: For most areas, two waterings a week in the summer is sufficient, but you should check with your local water department or extension service for guidelines. You need to irrigate your lawn long enough so the water can penetrate 6 inches into the soil. You can use a screwdriver to test the depth of moisture.

• The right fertilizer at the right time: Fertilizers feed the grass to strengthen it against weeds, diseases and pests. Slow-release fertilizers cost more, but they're less likely to burn the lawn and they last longer. Warm-season grasses require fertilizer in late spring. Cool-season grasses require fertilizer in spring or fall. Be sure to check with your county extension office to determine the proper timing for fertilizing your type of turf.

• Mowing: Set the wheels of the mower at the recommended height for your grass type. Mow often enough so you don't scalp your grass. Scalping can lead to weed problems.

• Insect protection: Above-ground lawn pests such as fleas and ticks can be a nuisance to your kids or pets.