Rooted here for years.

Spring and early fall are usually the easiest times. The soil is workable, and new roots aren’t fighting summer heat. Trees and shrubs often settle in especially well in early fall.

In the growing season, about once a week is common. A good rule is to cut no more than a third of the grass blade at a time, and to keep the mower blade sharp.

Most lawns need about an inch of water a week, from rain and watering together. Water deeply in the early morning, a couple of times a week, rather than a little every day.

Before they mat down on the grass, and again once most trees are bare. A thick layer left over winter can smother the lawn underneath.

Two to three inches is plenty. Keep it pulled back a few inches from tree trunks and plant stems; mulch piled against the bark can cause rot.

Aeration pulls small plugs of soil so air, water and nutrients reach the roots. Lawns with hard, packed soil or heavy foot traffic gain the most. Early fall is a common time for it.