Water Efficiency Measures for Landscaping

(During drought conditions outdoor watering restrictions may be imposed, and therefore some of the following tips will not apply.)

Watering:

• Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation systems.
• Use properly treated wastewater for irrigation where available.
• Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Do not water on windy days.
• Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants which require smaller amounts of water more often. Check with the local extension service for advice on the amount and frequency of watering needed in your area.
• Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only - not the street or sidewalk.
• Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.
• Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems.

Planting:

• Have your soil tested for nutrient content and add organic matter if needed. Good soil absorbs and retains water better.
• Minimize turf areas and use native grasses.
• Use native plants in your landscape - they require less care and water than ornamental varieties.

Maintaining:

• Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
• Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage movement of water to the root zone.
• Raise your lawn mower cutting height - longer grass blades help shade each other, cut down on evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.
• Minimize or eliminate fertilizing which requires additional watering, and promotes new growth which will also need additional watering.

Ornamental Water Features:

• Do not install or use ornamental water features unless they recycle the water. Use signs to indicate that water is recycled. Do not operate during a drought.