Lawns play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment by cooling our neighborhoods, replenishing our oxygen supply, filtering our air and reducing noise pollution. Additionally, lawns that are free of weeds and mowed regularly protect allergy sufferers from weed pollen, help absorb smog-produced ozone and add to a home's value.

Having a healthy lawn begins with using proper mowing techniques.

• Maintain a regular mowing schedule to keep grass at desired height. Removing more than one-third of the grass' height can weaken its protection against disease and drought.

• Mow when grass is dry for a cleaner cut.

• Alternate mowing patterns to avoid uneven wear on the lawn.

• Keep the lawn mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass leaving it susceptible to disease and drought.

• Leave the grass clippings on the ground. Grass clippings are 85 to 90 percent water, and "grasscycling" returns this water to the soil. "Grasscycling" also eliminates yard waste and serves as mulch to keep the ground cooler.

• Consider using a reel, push-type mower for a clean, scissor-cut. The reel action of a reel mower sutures grass blades helping grass retain much-needed moisture, unlike the rotary-action of power mowers which rips and tears the grass blades leaving them more vulnerable to disease.

  By following these easy mowing tips, homeowners can achieve the lush, green lawns they desire. For more information and a free brochure on earth-friendly lawn care practices, call American Lawn Mower Company/Great States Corporation, manufacturers of reel mowers for more than 100 years, toll free at 1-800-633-1501.(NAPSI)