Yard Water Conservation Tips

During a drought or general water conservation, it’s important to conserve water as much as possible. But you don’t want to let your beautiful lawn go to waste. Try some of these simple tips to conserve water, while still maintaining a lush lawn.

Mulch

Landscape mulch helps limit the amount of water that evaporates from the soil. While organic mulches, such as grass clippings or wood chips, are preferable because they add organic matter to the soil, plastic mulches also limit water evaporation from the soil.

Water Early

To limit evaporation and give plants needed moisture to make it through the hot, sunny day, water early in the morning.

Water Efficiently

Place the water where it will be the most effective. Sprinklers are not efficient for water conservation and getting water to the roots of plants. Much of the water lands on the leaves and evaporates before reaching the ground. The most effective way to water is slowly and gently at the base of the plants, where the water can soak into the soil.

Consider using a drip trickle irrigation system that places the water where it is needed most, at the base of the plants. Many inexpensive, easy-to-install systems are available to aid water conservation.

Give Priority to New Plants

If water is scarce, water the plants that need it most. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers with limited root systems will most likely suffer first from drought conditions. Well established plants, especially those native to the area, are likely to withstand drought conditions with limited damage.

Use a Rain Barrel

Collect water from downspouts when it rains. Roofs intercept significant amounts of rain. Collecting this runoff into a barrel can help limit the use of city or well water during dry spells.