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Depending on the local climate and time of year, you only need to water your lawn by hand once or twice a week. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes with a hose and/or watering can. It doesn't require any electricity or complex irrigation systems and provides some exercise and time outdoors for free. You can also go for longer between waterings during rainy times.

If you have a manageably-sized lawn and the ground is relatively even and free of debris, a reel mower can be very effective. That’s because reel mowers provide a cleaner, more precise cut compared to power rotary mowers. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to stay on top of your lawn maintenance: Reel mowers can’t handle grass that’s grown too tall or dense.

Cut your lawn a bit shorter before the winter, typically between 2 and 2½ inches, depending on the variety of grass. On average, the best height to cut grass typically falls between 2 and 3 inches throughout the year. Aim for the shorter side of this range when you mow for the last time of the year to avoid common winter lawn diseases and moisture issues.

Depending on the method you choose to remove grass, it may or may not matter whether the grass is wet or dry when you perform the task. A dryer lawn will be easier to negotiate with a sod cutter, especially if you're not planning to reuse the turf. However, using a shovel by hand might be a little easier if the ground is slightly damp but not so much that it sticks to the tool.