Ask a lawn care expert

Question: Our neighbors have a great lawn, and we never see them do anything more than mow. What tips do you have?

Answer: Healthy lawns are more than just pleasing to the eye. They help maintain a healthy and safe environment by cooling our neighborhoods, replenishing our oxygen supply, filtering our air and reducing noise pollution.

By following proper mower techniques, you can have the lush, green lawns you desire.

•Consider using a reel, push-type mower for a clean, scissor-cut.

The reel action sutures grass blades, helping grass retain much-needed moisture, unlike the rotary-action of power mowers which rips and tears the grass blades, leaving them more vulnerable to disease.

Other tips follow:

•Maintain a regular mowing schedule to keep grass at desired height.

•Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut.

•Alternate mowing patterns to avoid uneven wear on the lawn.

•Keep mower blades sharp.

•Leave the grass clippings, which are 85-90 percent water, on the ground to return water to the soil and serve as mulch to keep the ground cooler.