Lush lawn - higher home value

You've probably heard that lawns need one inch of water a week, but that much moisture can actually drown - or parch - your lawn, depending on such factors as the air temperature and the type of grass.

Stier suggests a more, uh, grassroots approach: Stick your finger about an inch into the dirt. If it feels damp, the lawn doesn't need water. If it feels dry, turn on a sprinkler for a good 20- to 40- minute soak, stopping if water puddles up on the lawn.

Always water in the morning. There's less evaporation than at midday, and the grass has a chance to dry before nighttime, when dampness breeds diseases.

NEXT: Don't drown the brown