BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 
LEAFLETS 
Series VIII Brooklyn, N. Y., June 2, 1920 
No. 9. 
CARE OF THE LAWN 
Spring Treatment 
In the spring, as soon as the coarser portions of the winter 
mulch, if any, have been raked off, the lawn should be rolled 
to press the soil closely about the grass roots and to iron 
out small lumps and inequalities of the surface. If a roller is 
not available, recourse may be had to a tamper, made from a short 
length of two-inch plank and a broom handle; or the soil may be 
compacted by beating it with the back of a spade. Either of 
the two latter methods, if properly done, will at least provide 
the operator with vigorous exercise. 
At this time, to renovate bald spots, the soil of those areas 
that are bare or sparsely covered with grass should be scratched 
with an iron-toothed rake and grass seeds sown rather thickly. 
Cover the seeds thinly with finely-sifted soil and make firm with 
tamper or roller. 
Mowing 
The lawn-mower should be in good condition, with working 
parts oiled and blades sharp, so that the grass may be cut and 
not mangled. The blades may be set to cut the grass at a height 
of two inches. The frequency, or otherwise, of mowing will de- 
pend on the rapidity with which the grass grows. In early 
spring, when growth is luxuriant, it may be necessary to go over 
the lawn twice a week; later in the season once a week is usually 
ample; and during periods of drought mowing may be omitted 
from the garden program for two or three weeks. A good rule is 
to mow the lawn often to obviate the necessity of removing the 
clippings, as these provide a valuable mulch when left on the 
lawn. During wet spells, when the grass grows lush and heavy, 
the lawn may get somewhat out of hand, and then, rather than 
leave a heavy mulch that may cause unsightly patches, it is ad- 
visable to rake off the clippings or catch them in a box attached 
to the mower. 
