they are kept closely cut. Weeds are better able to 
gain a foothold when the grass is thinned by very close 
cutting. Root growth develops directly in proportion to 
the amount of top growth, and deep root growth is 
desirable. A lawn will look as well, if trimmed uni- 
formly and evenly, when cut to a height of 11/2 to 2 
inches as it will when cut much closer. 
Clippings may be left on the lawn if it is clipped fre- 
quently. When it has been neglected and there is 
considerable top growth it is wise to remove them to 
avoid matting and smothering. 
In the fall it is definitely injurious to continue clipping 
until the grass has ceased to grow. An extra inch or 
two of growth before winter, acts as a protective cov- 
ering and is the best insurance against winter injury 
and slow spring growth. 
FERTILIZING—Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash are 
the three main plant nutrients which are considered 
most essential for satisfactory plant growth. Others of 
course are necessary but they ordinarily are present 
in most soils in sufficient amounts. 
For grasses it is best to supply all three elements in 
a mixture known as a complete fertilizer. These mix- 
tures are usually designated by a ratio which ex- 
presses the actual amounts of each element contained 
in 100 pounds of fertilizer. A 5-10-5 fertilizer contains 
in 100 pounds, for example, 5 pounds of nitrogen, 10 
pounds of phosphoric acid, and 5 pounds of potash. 
Nitrogen improves the color of grass and stimulates 
the vegetative growth. Phosphorus aids in root growth 
development, builds a sturdier plant, and is especially 
good for young plants. Potash is a sort of tonic or con- 
ditioner and helps the grass to resist disease. 
For the best results it is considered good practice to 
fertilize twice each year; in the early Spring (March 
or April) and in the early Fall (September). The Fall 
treatment builds a sturdier turf which overwinters well, 
while the early Spring treatment encourages an early 
growth of the grass which tends to crowd out the weeds. 
In applying commercial fertilizers, precautions should 
be taken to avoid burning of the turf. This is particu- 
larly important when materials having a high con- 
centration of plant food are used. The fertilizer should 
be applied when the foliage is dry so that the material 
does not stick to the leaves. Applications should be 
followed by thorough watering whenever possible to 
DOUGHTEN FORMULAS are favorites for fine lawns 

