Thanks to the recession, more people are foregoing gardeners and making lawncare a do-it-yourself project. A green and healthy lawn is not only a source of pride, but it’s also good for the environment, preventing soil erosion, providing birds with a tasty feeding ground and helping to reduce pollution.

There are five key steps to follow to maintain a happy and healthy lawn. Your grass can only be as healthy as the soil it grows in, so developing a soil foundation with the right mix of clay, silt and sand is the first lawn care step. Soils must be fertilized once a year to add nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the mix and you can find a good fertilizer at your local nursery. Be sure not to over-fertilize as adding too much will through off the Ph balance necessary for grass to thrive.

The second step to caring for your lawn is choosing the right grass type to suit your climate conditions. Do you live in a drought prone area? Does your area enjoy four seasons? Is your property very shady or is the lawn subjected to full sun all day long? These factors will influence the type of seed or sod that will thrive best in your particular climate.

The third lawn care step is proper mowing technique — a good rule of thumb is to mow the grass often and mow it high – keeping the grass a little longer, about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, actually produces a stronger, healthier lawn. And keep your mowing blades sharp and in good condition to prevent tearing and injuring the grass blades.

The fourth step to a healthy lawn is watering at the right time and with the right amounts. Most people water their lawns too frequently but without providing enough water. The key is to water slowly and deeply, just like a slow rain soaks into the ground. This helps to train the grass roots to travel downward. Also, it’s best to water early in the morning to prevent evaporation, especially during the summer.

The fifth step for lawn care is regular removal of thatch, the dead plant material that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil. Rake over your lawn on a regular basis to help remove it. Otherwise, thatch accumulation will prevent water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots or the soil.

By following these five steps, your lawn will soon be the pride of the neighborhood.