Maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn requires knowledge, effort and time. It's important to understand what type of grass you have and what kind of climate conditions it grows best in. Different grasses have different watering, mowing and fertilizing needs. Knowing these needs and adhering to them will result in a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood.

There are many different types of grasses, but the most common in Massillon, OH are Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool season grass that does best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It needs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Mowing height should be between 2 1/2 and 3 inches. Fertilize in early spring, late spring and early fall.

Tall fescue is also a cool season grass, but it can tolerate hotter temperatures than Kentucky bluegrass. It needs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Mowing height should be between 3 and 4 inches. Fertilize in early spring, late spring and early fall.

Perennial ryegrass is a cool season grass that does best in temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It needs about 1 inch of water per week. Mowing height should be between 2 1/2 and 3 inches. Fertilize in early spring and late fall.

There are many other factors that go into having a healthy and beautiful lawn, such as soil type, shade and traffic. Consulting with a lawn care professional can help you determine what steps you need to take to have the lawn of your dreams.