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While it's a good idea to water your grass during a drought or when temperatures are high, you should not water your lawn every day. For most lawns, watering one to three times per week is sufficient. Avoid watering in the middle of the day or when the temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as the extreme heat will cause the water to evaporate before the soil can fully absorb it. The best time to water your lawn in the summer is in the early morning at dawn or in the early evening, such as between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., when it's cooler.

A standard home lawn mower with sharp blades can handle a thin layer of leaves without issue. You may need to make a couple of passes within several days to mulch leaves down, but your mower shouldn’t struggle. If your mower comes with a mulching kit, like an attachment to blow leaves out the side, that’s a good sign it’s ready for fall leaves. Set your mower to the highest or near-highest height for this project so it focuses on the leaves rather than the grass below.

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.

There are several best practices you can do to keep your lawn looking healthy. Knowing when to water grass is among the most important. Having your sprinkler timer set to early morning is best because it gives your grass and plants enough time to absorb water before the sun and wind can evaporate it. To maximize a sprinkler’s impact, aerate your lawn once or twice per year. Doing this achieves better absorption and stronger root systems for your grass.