Nonetheless, some people persist in these behaviors, and it's not
unreasonable for them to seek advice on the most cost-effective way of
going
about them.


Which is exactly why I say don't do anything to your lawn but cut it. Grass
doesn't "DIE". If it's not as healthy as it could be, it kind of hibernates
for a while (turns brown, doesn't grow as fast). Give me a brown lawn over
a green one anyday. I have better things to do with my time than mow the
damned lawn, and I don't really care to spend so much money on fuel to power
the lawn tractor. The most un-frugal thing you can do to a lawn is ANYTHING
to help it be more healthy, such as watering, aerating, fertilizing,
tc. -Dave