The answer is simple, in warmer, dryer weather, you should water twice a week deeply, rather than 3-4 times a week at short intervals. In the cooler spring and fall, generally water as needed. You may go for several weeks without watering. Most new yards require 1” of water per week. You should water to the point of run-off, nut do not keep watering if water is no longer soaking in.

Here requires a little “dirty” work on your part. Simply test the soil with your finger. Bed areas will need to be moist, but NEVER wet. Most plants will root rot in wet soils. Remember, just because its 90 degrees does not necessarily mean your plants need water. The ideal situation would be to eventually turn the bed areas off when the plants have a mature root system.

Always water in the early morning. This allows the yard to dry out before night fall, and will greatly lessen the chance of disease.

NO! In fact, the best time for plants to be watered is during the hottest part of the day. It is also the most impractical time due to the large amount of evaporation that takes place. Plants are not much different than us in that when it's hot, they are hot and burning a lot of water. Watering during the day will cool the plant and give it water when it needs it the most. The only way a water droplet could burn a plant would be if it was frozen in mid air at just the correct distance from the foliage — much like the old ant and magnifier game. But because the droplet is in contact with the foliage, it cannot burn the leaf. However, because of the evaporation, it is still better to water in the early morning.

Usually after the new growth has “hardened off'. This is when the new flexible growth starts to become more rigid. You will also notice the leaves changing darker to match mature leaves.

Generally speaking, in the cooler seasons, fescue lawns should be kept lower, 2.5”-2.75”. This helps the root system become established. In the hotter season, keep the yard at 3”-3.5”. This is for Fescue lawns, but the same basic rules apply to southern type grasses - hotter = higher.

Cut your new lawn when the majority of the yard needs cutting. Do not let the new grass get tall before cutting it. This is allowing all of the plants energy to be spent growing up and not down. Roots are what keep the grass alive, and cutting your lawn at proper heights will help promote root growth.

No, at least not for 6-8 weeks after the application.

The fall. Whether you are putting in a new lawn or planting trees and shrubs, the cooler fall weather when plants are getting ready to go dormant is the best. However, there is nothing wrong with planting throughout the year as long as proper watering techniques are used.

The biggest reason is termites. Hardwood mulch is literally a smorgasbord for the little buggers. If you really do not like pine needles, cedar or cypress mulch are your best options. But keep in mind, they are both much more expensive. However, in natural areas away from the home, hardwood or bulk mulch would work fine.