Most people cut their lawn at a two-inch height, Planton said. But for bluegrass lawns, mowing at a height of three to three and one-half inches is better.

"More leaf area allows for increased photosynthesis," he said. "That enables the grass to withstand everything people do to the turf. It helps shade out weeds, increases root growth, and actually slows down the rate of growth so people may not need to mow as often."

Keeping the mower blade sharp is very important.

"It's important to cut, not tear, the grass leaf," he said. "The minute you start tearing, you encourage disease and insect problems and you don't get that nice, neat look."

Lawns also need fresh air, not just on the surface but down to the roots.

"It's important to aerate a yard twice a year." Planton said. "It allows oxygen and water to get to the roots, and encourages root expansion, which increases the density of the lawn."

Aeration is a fairly easy process.

"If you can operate a lawn mower you can aerate your yard," Planton said.

Machines are available from rental yards and neighbors can work together to share the cost. 

"And since we're being told Americans don't exercise enough, aerating the lawn is a good way to exercise," he said.

Planton's workshop for university employees covered the types of grass to buy, disease and insect control and fertilization. He said people are most confused when it comes to lawn fertilization.

"When people go to the store and see a bag costing $30, they assume it's better than the fertilizer costing $8 a bag," Planton said. "But the grass plant can't tell the difference. Fertilizer is like many other products--packaging, advertising, ease of use are added to make it more attractive."

Planton also discussed the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers. Again, he said, the grass plant can't tell the difference.

"There are side benefits to organic fertilizers you don't get with inorganic," he said. "If you apply organic fertilizers you'll need to apply more product. But organic fertilizers contain microorganisms and bacteria which are beneficial to the grass and soil."

Planton's workshop, first presented last month, drew such overwhelming response that a second session was added Sept. 2. He attributes the interest to American's fascination with well-manicured lawns.

"It relates to the ideal of the old mansions," Planton said. "As people became more affluent they tried to copy the estate look for themselves."

But turf grass is not popular with everyone and, he said, some people advocate doing away with grassy lawns entirely.

"No other plant is as versatile as turfgrass," Planton said. "I can't imagine a college campus exclusively with prairie plantings between the buildings."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on this story, contact Planton at (765) 285-5092 or mplanton@bsu.edu