● Mow your lawn so that it is between 2 and 3 inches long. This will provide natural ground
shade and help promote water retention by the soil.
● How often so that you cut no more than a third of the height of the grass at a time. This
will prevent excessive shock that can cause grass to turn yellow.
● Keep your mower blades sharp and only mow when the grass is dry. This will give you a
cleaner cut. Grass that is shredded by dull blades uses more water.
● Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They contain high amounts of nitrogen, a key
ingredient in fertilizer, and they help retain moisture.
● Cut back on fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can damage the soil and attract pests. Use
organic or slow-release fertilizers, which are less likely to wash off your lawn.
● During dry and hot spells, your lawn may turn brown. It is not dead, but dormant, and it
will revive itself when wetter weather returns.

● If you are reseeding your lawn, use a blend of grass seeds to make your lawn more
tolerant of pests and resistant to disease. Also, select a grass variety that is well suited
to the conditions of your property.
● If you do not use your lawn, consider minimizing or getting rid of it completely. There are
many attractive, low-water ground covers and landscaping alternatives available.