Get matched with top lawn care pros in Gideon, MO

Yes, watering after you level a lawn is essential. Water helps settle the soil, eliminating air pockets and encouraging the newly-applied topdressing to bond with the existing surface. Adequate watering aids in achieving a smoother and more even lawn surface. However, be sure to avoid overwatering, which could lead to soil erosion or compaction issues.

In most municipalities, lawn care and mowing companies require at least a business license to operate legally. However, requirements can vary by location, and some areas mandate that landscaping companies be licensed, insured, and bonded, or even hold a general contractor license. Before hiring any lawn service, confirm they are fully insured. This protects you from liability for injuries on your property and also protects the company's employees. You can use Angi's state license lookup tool to verify a company's licensing status in your area.

You should mow your lawn first and water it afterward, in most cases. You should not mow when your lawn it’s wet as it could clog the blades. If you haven't been watering your lawn for an extended time or your area is experiencing a drought, water your grass first. Mowing thin, wispy grass can be difficult, so allow it to become fuller and thicker before mowing. Once it looks more lush and dry, go ahead and mow.

The time you should wait before walking on new grass depends on whether you used seed or sod. If you laid new grass seed, it's best to wait about eight weeks before stepping on it, as new grass is fragile. For sod, it typically establishes itself in the ground in about two weeks. For heavy traffic, like driving a car across a new grass driveway, you might need to wait an entire season.