1. Choose the Right Grass: Select grass varieties that are well-suited to your region and climate. Native or drought-resistant grasses often require less water and care.

2. Mow High: Set your lawn mower to a higher cutting height. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and weed growth. It also encourages deep root growth, which makes the lawn more resilient.

3. Mulch Grass Clippings: Instead of bagging grass clippings, mulch them into the lawn. This returns nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer.

4. Water Efficiently: Water deeply but less frequently.

5. Use an Irrigation System: Consider an automatic irrigation system with a timer and rain sensor to ensure efficient and consistent watering.

6. **Dethatch and Aerate: Periodically dethatch and aerate your lawn to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration into the soil.

7. Fertilize Sparingly:  Only apply fertilizer when necessary and follow recommended guidelines. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and more frequent mowing.

8. Choose Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Reduce the size of your lawn by adding low-maintenance landscaping features like flower beds, mulched areas, or hardscaping.

9. Resist Over-Seeding: Avoid over-seeding your lawn with grass seed unnecessarily, as it can increase maintenance needs.

10. Control Weeds Early: Prevent weeds by using pre-emergent herbicides in the spring. For existing weeds, use spot treatments to avoid harming the grass.

11. Choose Native Plants: Incorporate native plants and ground covers into your landscape. They require less care and are adapted to your local conditions.

12. Limit Foot Traffic: Reduce the amount of foot traffic on the lawn to prevent compaction and damage. Create pathways or designated play areas.

13. Edge Garden Beds: Maintain clean edges around garden beds to prevent grass encroachment and make mowing easier.

14. Minimize Pests: Keep an eye out for lawn pests and take preventive measures if necessary. Healthy lawns are more resistant to pests.

15. Invest in Good Equipment: Ensure your lawn mower and other equipment are in good working condition. A sharp blade cuts cleaner and promotes lawn health.

16. Consider Synthetic Grass: For an extremely low-maintenance option, consider synthetic grass or artificial turf, which requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing.

By implementing these practices, you can achieve a beautiful lawn while reducing the time and effort needed for its upkeep.