Mow your grass once each week and cut only approximately one-third of the overall length of the grass blade. The blades of your mowed grass should be two to three inches long. Mowing your grass shorter than this will cause shallower root systems and it will be more difficult to keep your lawn watered.
A healthy lawn can prosper with one inch of water per week. In extremely hot and dry climates, you may need to water more. If your footprints remain visible in the grass when you walk across your lawn, or if your grass turns a bluish or dusty green it is time to water.