Water conservation tips that everyone can use are important for homeowners all over the United States.  It is almost a given that one area of the country or another will experience drought at some point during the growing season of a particular year.  Some areas experience drought when rainfall amounts are not high enough during the summer.  Other areas experience municipal water restrictions because their summer irrigation, drinking and bathing water comes from the snowmelt, and the previous winter saw little snowfall, hence less snowmelt.  Regardless of your situation, it is always good to conserve water.  We have a finite supply of fresh water, and with population growth, more pressure on that supply.  Whether you are under water restrictions or not, here are some water conservation tips for homeowners caring for lawns and gardens.

Water Conservation in the Lawn

Grass plants are thirsty, and lawn irrigation takes a lot of water.  Here’s how to get the best benefit of irrigation, while conserving water.

• Say it with me “Water deeply and infrequently.”  This is the best piece of advice for lawn care, hands-down, even if you are not under water restrictions.  Watering twice a week, giving the lawn an inch or a half-inch of water each time is much better for the grass than watering for fifteen minutes every day.  Watering for a longer period of time less frequently puts more water in the soil, and encourages deeper root growth.
• Check your irrigation system monthly, or at the very least, quarterly.  Make sure that you do not have any broken valves, sprinkler heads or pipes.  One small leak in one sprinkler head can waste a lot of water.
• Let your grass go dormant during extremely dry weather.  Most lawn grass types can withstand a bit of dormancy during the growing season and will bounce back, as long as it is not stressed by aeration, excessive foot traffic or fertilization.
• Consider removing some of the lawn and replacing it with drought-tolerant perennials.
• Water in the morning, before the sun is fully up to reduce evaporation.
• Do not water on windy days, as much more water is lost to evaporation than makes it down into the soil.
• Aerate and top-dress with compost at least once a year (but not in the middle of a severe drought).  This improves the water-holding capacity of the soil, meaning less runoff.

Water Conservation in the Landscape and Garden

It is much easier to undertake a garden makeover to conserve water in the garden than it is to make a lawn drought friendly.  Here’s how to conserve water while maintaining a beautiful garden.

• Plant drought tolerant perennials in landscape beds.  (For more information on that, see our articles about drought tolerant plants for the sun and shade.)
• Mulch the beds with at least three inches of organic mulch in the spring and fall.  Shredded, composted leaves, shredded bark, grass clippings or shredded newspaper are good mulches to aid with water retention.
• Use drip irrigation, or hand-water plants in the garden.  This will allow you to put water directly at the root zone of the plants, and will use water most efficiently.
• Water the soil directly around the plants instead of watering over the plants.  Plants cannot take in water through their leaves, so any water that lands on the leaves will just evaporate.
• Install a rain barrel at each down-spout to collect runoff from your roof for use watering plants.
• In times of dire water restrictions, save water while the shower or bath warms up to water plants.

It is possible to have a beautiful lawn and garden, even during times of water restrictions, if you use these water conservation tips.

Growing up, you may have heard your mother scold you for failing to turn off the faucet while you brushed your teeth. Even if you rolled your eyes and ignored her, your mom was (deep breath) right. There is such a thing as wasting water, and in today’s world, water conservation contributes to an eco-friendly environment. Rainwater collection is a smart way of saving precious water and recycling it in various ways, including using it to hydrate your lawn. Learn ways to optimize rainwater collection, and watch your lawn flourish and energy bill drop.

Did You Know?

You may think that you use up most of your water indoors (i.e. cooking, bathing, shaving, watering plants); however, most of the water that is used comes from outside of the home. Outdoor pipes and faucets, swimming pools, garbage disposal, lawn watering-all of these components equal thousands of gallons of wasted water annually. Rainwater collection is an optimal way of conserving water, so you can feel good about contributing to a cleaner environment and save money at the same time.

Play a Part in Rainwater Collection

Do you scoff at the notion that one person can make a difference in water conservation? You may want to reconsider your skepticism. It’s true-one person can play a part in saving water by installing a rainwater collection system, as well as implementing minor changes in his or her daily routine.

You can build a rainwater collection system yourself or hire a professional-the important thing is that you start recycling rainwater without delay. A rainwater collection system is especially beneficial in regions that often experience a shortage in rainfall. Collecting rainwater is an age-old approach, but in modern times, people often think saving and reusing rain is pointless. Wrong! The collection of rainwater is just one of many ways you can make the earth greener and cleaner.

Water-Saving Tips

Besides installing a rainwater collection system, there are simple ways to conserve water. You’ll find that collecting rainwater pays off in the long run, but the following tips will also save water:

• Place a bucket in the shower while you’re waiting for the water to warm up, and use what’s leftover to water the plants in your home.
• Turn the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving. Better yet, try brushing your teeth in the shower.
• Have all leaky toilets and faucets repaired.
• Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are completely filled.
• If taking a bath, plug up the bathtub immediately and then adjust the temperature.
• Insulate water pipes so water heats up in no time.
• When cooking, go easy on the water. You’d be surprised how little you need, even when boiling food.
• Buy a showerhead that is water-efficient-they’re inexpensive.
• Have your young kids take a bath together.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
• Reuse your towels to cut back on washing them frequently. (Note: Use your judgment-don’t feel the need to dry off with a dirty towel!)
• Don’t flush tissues down the toilet; throw them away in the trashcan.
• Don’t scrape pots and pans while the water is running; instead, soak them in hot, soapy water for an hour.

Employ these easy steps, install a system that collects rainwater, and give yourself a pat on the back-you’ve just given back to the environment. If you use the recycled rainwater to water your lawn, then you not only contribute to a healthier environment, but you also have a beautifully green lawn to admire and flaunt.

A healthy, green lawn is the goal of every homeowner.  While there are many variables that contribute to the health and overall look of turf, lawn irrigation is one of the most influential and important factors in lawn health.  A lawn irrigation plan involves more than just turning on the sprinkler.  It must complement the entire scheme of lawn watering and lawn care-including mowing, irrigation, aeration and pest control.  A good lawn irrigation program will work hand in hand with the rest of the lawn care program.

Lawn Irrigation Systems

A lawn irrigation system can be a comprehensive, underground system with timers, valves and programs.  It can also be a hose and sprinkler.  Which method is most effective depends upon where you live, the species of grass you have, the weather conditions, and amount of time you want to spend watering the lawn.

Automatic lawn irrigation systems are generally best for areas that require constant maintenance and regular watering to maintain active, healthy growth.  Most warm-season grasses require a constant water supply during the warm, active growth months to maintain an even, fresh appearance.  Grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine need regular watering, or they will go dormant.  If you live in an area where these types of grass are common, you will want an automatic, professionally installed irrigation system to maintain the turf at peak performance, year-round.  This does not mean watering year-round on the same schedule, but rather watering according to the needs of the turf.

Irrigation systems with timers and program options are great for homeowners because they allow for flexibility according to the weather or seasonal conditions, but allow for consistency when the homeowner is away, or the growing conditions remain stable.

If you do not have an automatic lawn irrigation system, you will most likely need to water with a hose and sprinkler.  Most lawns, after they are well-established, need at least one inch of water per week.  Delivery of the water can be split into two separate watering throughout the week.  Grass is healthiest when it is watered deeply and infrequently.  That encourages deep root growth.  If you water on your own without help of an automatic lawn irrigation system, water each location twice a week until a half inch has accumulated in a rain gauge or similar measuring device.  (Any straight-sided container will do.  Just use a ruler to measure the water collection.)  Proper watering techniques can ensure a healthy lawn by keeping the turf stress-free.  Maintaining optimum watering conditions promotes deep rooting, disease resistance and insect resistance.  Pests and diseases tend to strike when the plant is least healthy or under water or nutrient stress.  Proper watering can keep pests and diseases at bay.

When Lawn Irrigation is not Necessary

Some types of grasses do not need to be irrigated year-round.  For instance, warm-season grasses go dormant during the cool winter months.  During this time, irrigation is not only not necessary, irrigating when a turf is dormant can cause it to rot, or allow weed seeds to germinate.

Proper lawn irrigation techniques go a long way toward maintaining a healthy lawn.  Be sure to tailor your lawn irrigation plan to the specific type of turfgrass in your yard for best results.

You have enriched your soil with all the proper nutrients, over-seeded where necessary, added mulch and even purchased a reel lawn mower. But to your chagrin, you haven’t even needed to get your reel mower out of the shed, due to a lack of rain. Your city has imposed lawn watering restrictions, and as a result your grass is suffering. So what is the answer to dealing with a lack of rain? Can anything be done that not only makes for a luxuriant landscape but is also environmentally helpful? As there has been much debate over proper management of our natural resources, several states have put together a plan for drought conditions and lawn watering restrictions.

While specific lawn watering restrictions vary by region, state, and city, here are a few that have been imposed across the US.

Areas with particularly stringent lawn water restrictions are those in desert regions of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada. However, just because you are is under lawn watering restrictions, you don’t have to resign yourself to an uninviting lawn. There are a number of things you can do to maintain your green yard, without being guilty of breaking your town’s lawn water restrictions.

Lawn Watering Restrictions—Yard Saving Tips:

1. Water less often, slowly reducing the amount of water – this keeps the grass from being “stress-out” and conditioned  if a total ban is established.
2. Minimize activity (walking, playing games, etc..) on the grass.
3. Let the grass grow longer – decreases the amount of moisture  lost from  soil.
4. Water your lawn between 4 and 6 am, unless prohibited by lawn watering restrictions; however, it is best not to water every day.
5. Aerate your soil to allow for circulation of air and moisture.
6. During times of drought, do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer as they require more growth and extra water.
7. Wetting agents – aka surfactant is a compound that helps the soil absorb water more readily because it releases the water’s surface tension and causes beading and puddling.

During times of drought, lawn water restrictions most commonly result in your grass turning yellow or brown. Fortunately, dormancy is not detrimental to your yard—unless it exceeds 8 weeks. In cases of extreme drought, you may need to accept the inevitable and plan to re-seed your yard the following season.

You may be scratching your head.  Is there really a right way and a wrong way to water your lawn?  Definitely!  Lawn watering practices are one of the easiest ways to ensure that your turf is happy and healthy, stress-free and unbothered by pests and insects.  Save yourself a lot of time and money by properly caring for your lawn from day one.

Water a Lawn Deeply and Infrequently

This is the number one rule of lawn watering.  Deep watering (about one inch of water, one or two times a week) is much better for your plants than shallow, frequent watering.  Frequent watering leads to shallow roots, which will impact the ability of your lawn to survive drought conditions.  If you do not know how much you water your lawn, try this:  Put out several straight-sided containers around your lawn.  Measure the amount of time it takes to accumulate one inch of water.  If any of the containers have different amounts, you may need to calibrate your irrigation system or adjust where you place your sprinkler so that all areas of the lawn get the same amount of water.

Should you use a Watering Schedule for your Lawn?

You can use a watering schedule of sorts, but you will need to change it as the seasons and weather conditions change.  Grass does not need the same amount of water when it is growing as it does when it is dormant.  Obviously, if it rains several inches in one week, you will not need to provide the lawn with supplemental water.  If it just sprinkles a little bit, the lawn will still need extra water.  The amount of water needed also depends upon the species of grass that makes up your lawn and the type of soil beneath the turf.  Sandy soils will drain faster that soils with a high clay content, and may need to be watered more frequently.  The most important part of healthy lawn care is monitoring the weather conditions and growth patterns of your lawn and adjusting the water accordingly.

More is Not Better with Lawn Watering

There are a couple of reasons why more is not better when it comes to watering your lawn.  While water is essential for plant health and growth, too much can lead to rapid and weak growth.  Watering too much is a waste because once the soil is saturated, excess water will drain off into the ground water system.  If a soil remains saturated, lawns can suffer from lack of oxygen, which is equally as bad as suffering from drought.

Overwatering is wasteful and expensive.  To avoid wasting water and spreading diseases, water in the morning while the air is coolest, and while the grass blades have a chance to dry during the day.  Watch your irrigation system to ensure that you are not watering the driveway, house or sidewalks.  Also, you should not water your flower beds at the same time that you water your turf, as turf and flowers have different water requirements.  If you consider your watering setup a “one irrigation head fits all” system, neither your lawn or your flowers will be happy.

Proper lawn watering technique ends with one outcome:  a healthy, lush, green lawn.