Here are a few basics to help get you over the minor challenges that growing turf grasses can present after you've selected a grass type suited to your climate.
Clean the lawn. Before beginning regular lawn maintenance in the spring, rake up accumulated leaves. Remove fallen leaves as soon as possible in the fall. Look for other forms of debris, and remove from the area. Accumulated debris on the lawn whether it's from tree leaves or other items, block the sunlight and will cause the grass to fail.
Because grass grows best when it is regularly cut (grass is one of the few plants in the world that actually thrive from being cut) mowing the lawn should be looked at carefully. Ideally, lawns should be somewhat level for ideal mowing. That doesn't mean you have to live on a completely flat property, it does mean that your lawn should be as even as possible to avoid having the mower jump up and down as you push it. This up and down motion often results in scalping the lawn which causes many problems for the health of the grass. If your yard has high or low spots in the lawn try doing the following:
* Fill holes with topsoil and over-seed with a similar grass as what is already
growing in your lawn.
* Only grow grasses suited for your climate. Whether you are repairing a bare
spot, seeding a new lawn or reseeding an existing one, grow the right kind of
grass for your growing zone. Follow the fertilizing and irrigation schedule
that applies to your turfgrass variety and follow a regularly scheduled
maintenance program.
* Remove bumps by cutting an X in the raised area with a shovel. Carefully peel
back the sod and remove as much soil as necessary. Place the sod back in place
and water.
Inspect for damage regularly
Inspect for disease, insects and weeds on a regular basis. Mowing is a great time to keep an eye out for these problems. Learn to recognize and treat problems quickly and appropriately before they become big problems.
source: http://www.american-lawns.com/lawns/basic-lawn-care.html
