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Ever wonder how a golf course superintendent can create the thickest, lushest, greenest grass you've ever seen on basically every inch of their course?
With the time and energy most of us put into our grass at our home, you'd think perfection on our grounds should be as easily achieved as that of a country club's.
Think it's impossible to re-create the thickest, greenest grass you've ever seen on basically every inch of a golf course superintendent's course? Think again!
After all, it's the American dream to have the nicest yard in the neighborhood. No matter what grass you have planted in your yard, any way you cut it, you could have a beautiful lawn of your own.
It may be a challenge to match the intense look and feel of the bent grass of a country club, since clubs use special mowers and employ many skilled turf professionals who come equipped with the knowledge and skills to keep a golf course healthy the entire season. But it can be done. Just ask the homeowners who spend close to seven billion dollars a year on lawn-care supplies and equipment used to maintain and perfect home lawns.
Proper Watering
 To start, grass consistently needs a lot of water. At least one inch of water a week is essential for green grass. To take the guesswork out of the equation, you can use a rain gauge to see how much your lawn receives naturally from rain. Then what Mother Nature does not provide, you must by investing in a good sprinkler system.
Always remember to water your grass so the soil is moist to a depth of six inches. Having your water go to a depth of six inches weekly should encourage a deep root system. To achieve approximately the proper amount of water, try watering each area about an hour each week. Look for signs of thirst; if your grass color is browning, yellowing or fading in general and the blades are starting to curl, a good hour watering should be efficient.
Too frequent watering will keep the roots too close to the surface, thus rendering them more susceptible to disease. So, it is recommended to water just once a week.
For best results, water your grass in the morning between 5 and 9 a.m., and be careful not to water in too-humid weather, which can cause bacteria growth. Always avoid watering in the evening to prevent the lawn from remaining wet overnight. Prolonged wetness on your grass will encourage the growth of further fungal disease.
Once you're finished watering, try to stay off the lawn until it dries. Your footprints may cause divots and ruts in your yard. A lawn roller comes in handy here, which will ensure a more even and level yard.
Mowing
 How you mow your lawn definitely affects its overall health and beauty. Many people mow their grass too short. A grass height of three inches is generally recommended. Following this rule of thumb will help your lawn develop a longer and denser root system, and any professional knows that a better root system will result in a more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant grass during stressful summer months.
It is also very important to remove only one third of the leaf while mowing. If you cut more than this, it will cause the grass additional stress. More than a half-inch of thatch will block air movement, water and nutrients; the soil may spoil and you could end up smothering the lawn.
Cutting more than one third of the tissue will also cause you to have to remove the clippings. Grass clippings do not cause thatch; they decompose completely in four to five days.
A good mulching mower can finely cut the clippings into tiny pieces that will help feed the lawn. One third of the leaf is very beneficial when left on a lawn. Grass is naturally 90% water, so it will help hold in moisture and release nitrogen back into the root system.
Mulching also saves time by eliminating the steps involved in collecting, bagging and disposing of the clippings.
A mower's blade should be sharp and balanced. Dull or unbalanced blades will cause undue tension on the grass and create a point of entry for disease (bad blades tear the grass instead of cutting it).
Try to cut your lawn in different directions; even crosscut your lawn to reduce stress and enable an even cut every time. This will also help you to avoid rutting in your yard.
Unlike the watering process, professionals encourage you to cut the lawn late in the evening if possible, since it reduces stress on the plants. But avoid cutting grass if the soil is wet; soggy soil causes ruts and stress on the grass.
Fertilizers
 Fertilizers are absolutely necessary for country club-like growth. There are three key ingredients in fertilizers: nitrogen (N) is responsible for the intensity of the color green and the regulation of other nutrients, phosphorus (P) maintains the plant's root system and aids in the resistance of disease, and potassium (K) is necessary for the overall vitality of the plant.
Proper application and timing is the key, because nutrients in fertilizers are useless unless they are absorbed by the plants.
Test your soil to find out what nutrients your lawn will need. To accomplish this, contact a local fertilizer specialist in your area or purchase an inexpensive do-it-yourself home kit at any local garden center. These kits are usually under $20.00.
When the soil is slightly wet, it is your best chance to apply fertilizer. There is less chance of it blowing away with the wind, and it will be able to penetrate the root system. If possible, avoid applying right before a predicted thunderstorm. Too much water will simply wash the nutrients away.
Make sure your spreader is applying the proper amount of recommended fertilizer. Remember to shut the spreader at the end of each row to prevent over-application.
You should follow the directions of the fertilizer you are using and stick to the suggested schedule. Remember that a good mulching mower with a sharp balanced blade cutting only one-third of the plant will provide you with additional nutrients between your scheduled fertilizations.
If you do not have the time or inclination to fertilize your own lawn, there are plenty of professional lawn care companies in Western Pennsylvania who do a beautiful job. Choose them as you would any professional: ask for recent referrals, have them test your soil and tell you what they are actually going to do (such as how often they are going to apply fertilizers), and of course, how much it will cost.
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