Excerpted from "Hassle-Free Lawns and Yards," in the May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, these quick tips can save you loads of time on your yard work and maybe even some money, too. The first five tips ran yesterday.

6. Mulch clippings
Mulching instead of bagging returns natural nutrients to the soil, saving as much as 30 percent on fertilizing costs. Hose down your mower blade and the underside of the mower deck after each use for better mulching and a neater cut. (The photo shows how clippings can build up when a mower doesn't mulch well.)

7. Water wisely
Don't overwater—one inch per week is the rule of thumb in normal weather. Water in the early morning, before the hot sun and wind prevent water from reaching the roots. Evening watering promotes mold. Check out this additional watering advice.

8. Improve sprinkler-system efficiency
For plants and bushes, drip-irrigation systems cut water loss to wind, runoff, and evaporation. Use rain and soil-moisture sensors for your sprinkler system, check for even distribution by placing plastic cups throughout the lawn, and stem waste by not watering walkways or the driveway.

9. Think beyond grass
Balance your outdoor ecosystem with shade-loving ground covers, ornamental grasses, trees, flowers, and shrubs. Put shrubs and plants with similar watering needs together. Plant flowers and bushes susceptible to pests near plants that repel them.

10. Do a weekly walk-around
If you leave footprints in the lawn when you walk on it, the grass needs more water. Check for compacted soil with a screwdriver; if it won't go in easily, rent an aerator ($65 to $75 per day). Inspect grass in the early morning when the dew will highlight signs of damage and stress.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter

Essential information: Boost the curb appeal of your home, create an outdoor-entertainment area, or add privacy with these yard makeovers. Our lawn-and-yard guide offers more articles and videos to help you create great outdoor spaces.