Whirring lawn mowers, the sweet smell of cut grass and pure frustration often mingle in an annual rite of spring: priming the lawn for summer.

Whether competing with the neighbors for the prettiest green space or simply preparing a yard for playful children, a carpet of grass is a common goal. Without proper planning and technique, though, results can prove less than spectacular.

Success often depends on correct watering, a balanced fertilizer regimen and the proper care and use of lawn equipment.

"Some people do some work in the spring and then just water the grass, but that's not the approach to a healthy, green lawn," said Lou Manfredini, a do-it-yourself expert for Ace Hardware.

Instead, Manfredini believes in a four-step lawn fertilization program that provides year-round nutrients for the yard. With proper watering and tending, lawns can thrive.

"First, get out there and rake up the lawn," Manfredini said. He suggests a power rake, similar to a heavy-duty broom but made of metal.

Use the rake to remove the thatch that can choke soil and inhibit new growth, said Manfredini, who lives in Chicago. A gardener might consider renting a core aerator, a motorized tool that pokes holes one-inch to an inch-and-a-half deep into the ground and removes plugs of dirt.

Aerating the soil allows oxygen to reach the grass roots and stimulate growth, he said.

"Once you're done with those two things, it's good to not do anything for a week or so," he said. "You've shocked (the yard) and it's mad at you. You should give it time to relax."

After the initial investment of sweat, it's time to give the lawn a boost.

Start in the spring with a pre-emergent meant to inoculate grass from weeds. These fertilizers add a needed boost of nitrogen to help a lawn grow, Manfredini said.From mid-March to late April, use spring fertilizer mixes. When using a lawn spreader during this season, reduce the amount of fertilizer typically applied. "Don't go too heavy because you can burn out the grass," Manfredini said.Once the lawn is fertilized, consider water. Most lawns need about one inch of water three days a week, Manfredini said.With the yard primed for growth, don't reach for the lawn mower too quickly. "Before the first cut, let the lawn grow three inches long," he said. "It's going to be a little shaggy but give it a chance to grow."In May or June, fertilize again, followed by a summer fertilizer in July or August to keep the grass roots from becoming fatigued. The final round of fertilizer, Manfredini said, arrives last.When fall rolls around, it's time for a winter fertilizer, a time-released product to boost roots when the grass is dormant, Manfredini said.Following a regimen throughout the year can take much of the frustration out of spring and summer lawn care.

Often, simple techniques can provide a guide to a successful lawn.For example, a screwdriver is a great tool to learn if a lawn requires aeration, said Walter Reeves, author of five books on gardening and a radio talk show host in Atlanta."You just see how much effort it takes to penetrate the ground a half-inch to an inch," Reeves said. Hard, tightly packed soil requires aeration.And when it comes to watering, several spare cans serve to gather needed information. Leave the cans in the yard to measure the amount of water from sprinklers, for example, Reeves said.Uniformity is important. A yard fares better when there's a consistent amount of water throughout the area, Reeves said.While simple tools are a resource, gas-powered tools remain a lawn staple and prepping a lawn mower for spring and summer isn't just about having a well-oiled engine. Kathleen Hennessey is content manager for Yardcare.com, a Web site created by lawn mower maker The Toro Company as a lawn and garden information clearinghouse.Gasoline is a key to lawn mower health. Don't use any gas older than 90 days, Hennessey said. Old gas can clog a carburetor and keep a mower from starting, she said.It doesn't matter if the gas is already in the mower or in a can stored in a garage. Any gas aged more than three months might not work, Hennessey said. If there's a need to get rid of old gas, contact city or county officials to learn local regulations for disposal, she said.Possibly most important, check the mower's blade. If the blade is dinged from hitting rocks or other objects, replace it, Hennessey said. Otherwise, read the mower's manual, remove the blade and have it professionally sharpened."A sharp blade will give you the best-looking lawn and prevent damage to the grass," she said. "A dull blade will give you a shaggy hair cut on the lawn."Finding answers to questions about improving the lawn often just takes a stop at quality garden centers, which usually have an expert in lawn care, she said.County extension services also offer great resources, often including help lines and close ties with local master gardeners, she said.