(NC) Summer's here, and it's more important than ever to treat your lawn with some TLC. Watering, mowing, fertilizing and equipment maintenance are key components for crafting a beautiful green space.

The most efficient time to water your lawn is between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Your grass will benefit from one long soak each week, but monitor it to see what it needs. A good tip is if you step on your grass and it springs back, it doesn't need watering. Consider installing a rain gauge so you can water with nature.

During the hottest months, let your grass grow taller to shade the soil and reduce water loss. When the roots become too hot or sunburnt, they struggle to survive. To grow longer grass, adjust your lawn mower to the highest setting and sharpen the blade to reduce stress.

While spring and fall are ideal seasons to fertilize, it's not too late to do so in early summer. To provide essential nutrients and deter weeds and pests, select a fertilizer that fits your lawn's needs and water a day or two before application. Once the grass has dried, apply fertilizer evenly across the lawn in a consistent pattern. Water thoroughly so the fertilizer soaks into the soil, and avoid walking or playing on the lawn for the recommended amount of time on the label, which is usually a day or two.

Maintaining lawn equipment through annual DIY tune-ups extends the life of your tools. While spark plug and air filter changes are still required, you'll be surprised by the new lawn mower features on the market today. Canadian Tire, for example, has a new Yardworks self-propelled lawn mower with Briggs & Stratton's Quiet Power Technology. The mower is up to 60 per cent quieter than other gas-powered mowers and doesn't require oil changes — just check the oil and add when necessary.

With a little care and innovation, you'll have a great lawn and time to spend doing what you enjoy most.

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