During hot dry spells, don’t mow your lawn if it really doesn’t need it.

When trimming the edges along sidewalks and driveways, try to avoid scalping. Cutting less than 3 inches promotes weeds and causes these areas to dry out faster than normal.

In heavy clay soils, water deeply (2-3) hours each section once or twice a week. Daily short watering promotes weeds and disease.

Water only in the morning to mid- afternoon during hot, humid weather. Water the areas closest to soft tissue ornamentals (such as Japanese Red Maples) first thing so as to avoid sun-scorch.