Although it's impossible to kill every single weed, most can be prevented, says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, author of "Lawn Care for Dummies."

"Weed control is more than making a pretty yard. Weeds compete with grasses for water and nutrients," says Walheim. "A well-cared-for, vigorous lawn will resist weed invasions."

Here are five steps to keep your yard in top shape for weed resistance:

1. Mow high. Mowing at the upper end of the recommended height for your grass type encourages deeper roots and better heat and drought tolerance since the grass helps shade the soil to reduce evaporation and maximize soil moisture content. This can help reduce the need for more frequent watering. Set your mower at 11/2 inches high for common Bermuda; 1 inch high for hybrid Bermuda; 3 inches high for tall fescue; 21/2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass; and 21/2 to 3 inches for St. Augustine.

2. Water properly. Wet the soil down to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Shallow watering results in a shallow root system. To check the depth of moisture, insert a rod or screwdriver into the soil; it will stop when it reaches dry dirt.

3. Fertilize at the right time of year for your particular type of grass (usually fall or spring for cool-season lawns and late spring and early summer for warm-season lawns) and control insects such as grubs that eat grass roots.

4. Aerate (remove small cores of soil) and dethatch as needed for better water and nutrient penetration.

5. Kill weeds. Many products on the market require you to know what kind of weeds you have in your lawn. Bayer Advanced® All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer works two ways to kill over 200 kinds of broadleaf weeds--including dandelions and clover and grassy weeds such as crabgrass--in one easy step without harming your lawn. For St. Augustine and similar lawns, Bayer Advanced Southern Weed Killer for Lawns controls 200 types of common broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, dollarweed and clover. Always read and follow label instructions.

You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling (877) BAYERAG.

A little care can keep the grass greener on your side of the fence.