Here are some tips to help you in caring for your yard.

• Watering your lawn less frequently, but for longer periods of time, helps your lawn grow deep roots. It's best to water in the morning; mid-day watering wastes water due to evaporation and late-day watering can lead to lawn fungus disease. More lawncare tips at: http://www.inharmony.com .
• Mowing your lawn with the blades set high -- the grass height should be about two to three inches high -- encourages longer and healthier roots. It also provides shade for the ground around each grass plant, enabling it to retain moisture in the soil.
• Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can enhance soil texture, increase the ability of the soil to absorb air and water, suppress weed growth, decrease erosion and reduce the need to apply chemical fertilizers.
• Use a mulching mower to save time and effort, reduce waste and improve soil health. Seattle Public Utilities has an online guide to shopping for mulching mowers at http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/lawncare/shoppingGuide.htm .
• Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) promotes the use of "ecoturf," a mix of lawn grasses and waterwise broadleaf perennials which forms "a dense lawn-type planting." "Ecoturf" is formulated differently for different regions. According to SPU, it requires little watering and generally no fertilizer. (Source: Seattle Public Utilities)
• For pest problems, visit the directory of non-toxic and least-toxic pest management services at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pcos/.