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Mowing at least once a week during the growing season is a good general rule. However, every lawn is different, and factors like frequent rain and fertilizer use can cause grass to grow faster, potentially requiring mowing as often as every four days. When you mow, always follow the 'one-third rule': never cut more than one-third of the grass blade's height at once, as this can weaken it and prevent it from taking in proper nutrients. For most grass types, the ideal height is around 2 to 3 inches, though some warm-weather grasses do better when kept shorter at about 1.5 to 2 inches.

Chiggers thrive in overgrown lawns, so regular mowing will deter these annoying mites. It may not remove every single chigger, however, so follow that up with weeding and trimming any nearby trees and bushes. Pay special attention to moist, shady spots, as these are a chigger’s preferred habitat. When all else fails, sprinkle your yard with diatomaceous earth. It kills chiggers by dehydrating their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is basically ground-up shells, so there’s no risk of injury to animals.

In general, expect to mulch your leaves about once or twice every fall. You want there to be a decent amount of leaves on the ground, but not too much where it’s difficult for the mower to cut through.

You can thicken new grass by using fertilizer, watering it 1 to 1½ inches per week, mowing when it is at an optimal height, and preventing weeds. You should fertilize your grass while you plant the grass seed, or soon afterward. Use an herbicide to prevent weeds or spot spray with herbicide to kill existing weeds.