10 Things You can do to Conserve Water

10 Things You Can Do to Conserve Water

1. Water lawns and planting beds according to their needs. Check soil moisture before watering. Insert a 6-inch screwdriver into the soil; if it can be easily inserted, you don't need to water.
2. Generally speaking, water at night. Water at night (10 p.m. - 6 a.m.) not during the heat of the day or when the wind is blowing.
3. Water when footprints or mower tracks become easily visible on the turf or when large areas of the lawn take on a bluish-gray color. Has it rained? Skip watering on days following 1/2 inch or more of rain. On cool, cloudy days plants use less water and there is less evaporation. This extends the time needed between watering.
4. Update your sprinkler system. Consider upgrading or installing drip irrigation or underground watering systems to limit evaporation and to apply water to plants' roots more efficiently. Design or redesign your yard to include separate watering zones for trees, flowerbeds, gardens and lawns.
5. Check your sprinkler system. Check to see how long each zone is scheduled to run and adjust the timer. A shade zone will require less water than a hot, sunny area and the cooler seasons require less water than the hot summer months. Check sprinkler heads frequently to make sure that they are functioning properly. Also, if you have an older timer, you may want to make sure it meets your local watering restrictions. Learn how to operate your sprinkler system and consider installing timer upgrades. Watering with a hose? Use household timers to remind you to move or stop soaker hoses and sprinklers, and check your sprinklers to see how much water they put out. (This is easily done by placing a shallow container like a cat food or tuna fish can in the yard to measure water.) This will help determine how long you should water
6. Aerate. Aeration is an important part of healthy lawn maintenance, because it relieves soil compaction and allows better water, air and fertilizer penetration. The result is less water run-off and better plant health. Aerate under moderate moisture conditions for best results.
7. Mow efficiently. Set your mower at the highest level possible and make sure the blade is sharp so it will cut blades of grass properly. Leave clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients back into the soil. Brown spots? Be willing to accept a less-than-perfect lawn. Respond to brown spots by hand watering. Check the coverage of the sprinklers, and frequently look for broken lines or heads, clogged nozzles resulting in poor spray patterns, and improperly adjusted heads/nozzles.
8. Fertilize. Consider applying iron fertilizers moderately. Reduce nitrogen application rates. Lush, fast-growing grass uses more water. Fertilize in summer with a slow-release fertilizer and in the fall at the rate suggested on the product label.
9. Mulch. Apply mulch to reduce evaporation, retain moisture in the soil and control weeds.
10. In the Winter - Water once or twice a month during dry, warm winter months. Deep-root watering is one of the best ways to water trees.