stop using weedkiller and insecticide – save a little money and save your own health
add in inoculated clover seeds – “inoculated” adds in bacteria that makes the nitrogen more available to other plants – pick a clover that is relatively native to your area – up until WWII and the proliferation of modern weedkillers, healthy lawns were a mix of grass and clover
leave the dandelions alone – ALL parts of a dandelion are edible – the leaves are a classic bitter green (goes really well with a dressing made from walnut oil, mustard, and balsamic vinegar) – roasted roots used to be a coffee substitute – early buds can be pickled as an alternative to capers – and yes, dandelion wine is actually a thing
throw in lots of native flowers – attracts the pollinators that keep the rest of your garden going strong
if you must mow, don’t mow shorter than 6 in / 15 cm – encourages stronger, more robust growth
take up scything instead of mowing for personal exercise