Home > Lawn & Garden Tips
On average 8,760 gallons of water are wasted per household annually due to over watering lawns and gardens. Check out our tips on how to save water and money.
Research has shown that the distribution of watering schedules actually increased the overall amount of water utilized for lawns. This research prompted us to adjust our summer management strategy to focus on more effective methods for educating and empowering people to water responsibly. As such, we discontinued summer watering schedules in 2013. Our efforts are now focused on providing information and tools for effective watering and conservation.
A healthy lawn only needs about 1-inch of water a week, even during the hot summer months. This 1-inch of water is a guideline, and you should adjust your weekly watering by the amount of rain your lawn receives.
If your lawn is on a slope, you should slow the flow-rate of the water so the lawn can absorb it and not just let it run off.
TIP 1: Use native, water-wise plants. These plants require less water and less care.
TIP 2: Water in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation.
TIP 3: Be sure to check outdoor hoses, faucets and sprinklers for leaks.
TIP 4: Match plants to your yard conditions. Many plants die because they are planted in the wrong location.
TIP 5: Group plants according to water needs. This makes watering more efficient. Avoid locating drought-resistant plants near water hungry plants.
TIP 6: Plant in the spring or fall when watering requirements are lower.
TIP 7: Improve your soil by adding compost. Compost increases the ability of soil to hold water.
TIP 8: Apply surface mulch (organic matter) around plants. This reduces evaporation.
TIP 9: Water slowly and deeply.
TIP 10: Aerate our lawn annually if you have compacted soil. This allows water to get to the roots..
TIP 11: Do not cut the grass too short. During the growing season, a 2” to 3” height will create deeper roots and prevent burning from the sun.
TIP 12: Minimize the amount of lawn. Lawns require at least twice as much water as most plants.
TIP 13: Don’t water on windy days; you will waste more water on the street than you will put on you lawn.
TIP 14: Consider setting a timer as a reminder to avoid unexpectedly high water consumption this summer. A forgotten hose or lawn sprinkler is one of the worst water wasters.
TIP 15: Collect rainwater in a barrel and use it to water non-edible plants.
