Proper lawn maintenance saves time and money By Danny Lauderdale Whether you have a new lawn or an existing one, proper maintenance can help reduce the amount of money you spend. Skipping steps can dramatically increase costs in the long run. Once it is established, water the lawn only when it shows signs of moisture stress. A dark bluish-gray color, footprints that remain and wilted leaves are all indications that it is time to water. The lawn has the entire day to dry out before nightfall.
Less water is lost by evaporation in the morning.
This also prepares the lawn for the stresses of eastern North Carolina summer days. Usually about 1 inch per week is adequate for established lawns. Use rain gauges to determine how much is put out. As summer progresses, think about reducing watering frequency. However, water for longer periods to encourage a deep root system.