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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.

Many homeowners in warmer climates like this resilient, hearty grass because it can tolerate excessive heat and drought while developing into a lush lawn. Unlike other grasses, Bermuda grass grows and spreads quickly and can withstand excessive foot traffic. But whether Bermuda grass is good for lawns may depend on your geographic location, as this grass has a low tolerance for cooler temperatures, which causes it to go dormant and turn brown in the winter months.

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.

If your lawn and general landscape are struggling, consider calling a local landscape specialist to suggest lawn amendments, local plants, and hardscape changes to boost the long-term health of your outdoor space. While you may be able to take on small projects yourself—such as reseeding your lawn or testing the soil—a professional can help you build a plan to bring a struggling yard back to life quickly.