The absolute first thing to do when dealing with a new property is to examine the trees and get rid of any dead branches. Not only can they be a potential hazard, but removing them will change how sunlight reaches your lawn and inform further landscaping decisions.

Most experts will tell you that weekly cutting is optimal, but the real answer has less to do with how often than with how much you should cut. A good rule of thumb is a lawn of three inch grass, but the more important idea is to always leave at least two-thirds of the blade as trimming more can cause considerable damage.

If your goal is a long term level lawn, then the best solution is to lift the sod and fill with sand or topsoil to create a balanced top layer. Simply filling in holes and destroying sod rises will result in uneven grass growth and could do more harm than help.

While it does depend on the actual species of the tree, most are best served by winter pruning when branch structure is clearly visible and major problems can be more easily corrected. However, light pruning can be done at any time to create a better tree shape or form.

It really depends on the specific project you want to complete. Interlocking brick and composite materials often provide a solid combination of durability and appearance, but concrete pavers are well-suited to difficult landscapes that require specialized landscape design.

Only a professional who has analyzed your particular situation can give a qualified answer to this question. In some cases, irrigation may actually impede growth of certain plants and trees. Before installing sprinklers or other irrigation techniques, call a landscaping specialist to take a look.