So many things can cause your lawn to look dreadful. Bugs, drought, dull mower blades, weeds … they all take their toll. And sometimes, it’s not any of that — it’s strictly the soil beneath the grass.

Use mulch, leaves, or compost in the fall to insulate soil and boost nutrients. Add biochar or sulfur for soil health, and clear weeds before winter. Plant cover crops before frost to enrich soil and ...