When the temperature rises, so do water use outside for watering lawns and gardens. A lush lawn, landscape, or garden looks excellent when green and growing. It’s great for the kids to run through a sprinkler to cool off. It’s estimated the average home will use two to four times as much water during the summer than other seasons. Below are simple tips a homeowner can use to help conserve water, our precious resource.
1. Understand how much water your landscape needs. Talk to your local landscaper or research the plantings in your yard. You should know how often your plantings need to be watered. When plants are overwatered, too much water can stunt their growth. It’s best to water your outside lawn and plantings in the early morning or evening, so water is not lost due to evaporation.
2. Learn about the region and climate where you live. It gives you a better understanding of which plants work best and are most efficient with water usage. A homeowner can then adjust a sprinkling system based on their climate.
3. Check the weather. Let Mother Nature water your plants. There is no need to water your lawn when it rains. Most lawns only need one inch of rain a week.
4. Your lawn doesn’t need water because it is hot outside. Walk your lawn. When you step on your grass, and it bounces back, then it has enough water. Also, leave your grass at a higher height. Did you know longer grass promotes root growth reducing evaporation and allowing fewer weeds to grow?
5. Adjust your sprinklers, so they are watering your lawn or garden and not your sidewalk or driveway. It’s unnecessary to water concrete or asphalt!
6. Instead of using the hose to wash off a deck or sidewalk, use a broom.
7. Check your outside spigots or any water-using device outside for leaks. Fixing leaks will save you money and water when you’re paying for the water you use.
8. Consider drip irrigation for watering your shrubs, trees, and plant beds. This method allows the water to go directly to the roots and hinders weed growth. Consider a soaker hose as an alternative to watering with a hose.
9. Use mulch or grass clippings in and around plants, shrubs, or trees to retain moisture so that watering can occur less often.
10. Install and use a rain barrel to water your plants and shrubs.
These tips will give you a green thumb and keep your lawn and garden looking green. Some of these water-saving tips may cost money upfront but know the savings will add up over the years in your pocketbook and our environment. It’s hard to break old habits, but the longer you stick to a plan, you’ll be amazed at the way your landscape looks. So give one or all of these tips a try.
