"blueman" wrote in message
First, our lawn lies on a sloping hill surrounded by maple trees so
the soil tends to dry out; however, as above we had a VERY wet
May/June and I have been watering the lawn since 3 times a week for 50
minutes. I am hesitant to water more due to the cost of water and I
was told that better to water fewer times for longer to encourage root
growth and discourage crab grass.

What you are told is correct. But 3 times a week is probably way
too much. 1 inch once a week is what I hear recommended. You
need to measure your watering rate to get it right.

Second, because of the near constant May/June rains, the initial grass
grew pretty lushly to about 6-8 inches high before I had a chance to
cut it. I then cut it back to the medium setting on my mower/mulcher
so I don't know if I "shocked" the lawn too much. This tends to leave
about 2-3 inches of lawn.

I see recommendations to never remove more than 1/3 of the grass in
a mowing. Otherwise, you remove the leaves, and only stem is left.
This could be your problem. Better to mow longer, then mow again
in a few days.


Bob