Water Saving Tips
As you know saving water is becoming more important as climate patterns change. Undergound Sprinkler Systems can actually save water if following a few basic rules.
Tips:
- Make sure you only water the garden and not the driveway or sidewalk. Adjust sprinkler heads when needed.
- When planting new flowerbeds level the soil to reduce water run-off.
- Cover beds with a layer of mulch. It limits water run-off and evaporation and acts as a ‘thermal blanket’ to keep soil cool in summer.
- Water the lawn or garden in the early morning before work.
- Use a battery operated timer and schedule early morning start times.
- Avoid watering on windy days. Most water will never reach your lawn or garden and will evaporate.
- To encourage deep root growth, soak your garden a couple of times a week. This is far better than watering at short intervals and watering frequently.
- Group plants and watering zones according to their water needs. For example place more native and drought tolerant plants in one specific watering zone.
- Check your sprinkler system for leakage at least twice a year.
- Cut grass between 3" and 4" tall. Never cut it shorter than 2-1/2" to 3". This gives your lawn a healthier root and reduces evaporation.
- Delay planting a new lawn until the rainy season
- Try to plant a drought tollerant grasses. (ask your local home outlet store about best water saving grasses for your area.)
- Make use of bark, stones, logs and paving stone to create interesting areas thereby reducing areas that need water.
- Keep out weeds as they compete with your plants for water.
- Grow plants that are best suited to the climate in which you live.
- Thoroughly till the soil before you begin to plant. This will lead to a healthier and more water efficient garden.
- Start a compost pile. Using compost keeps plants healthy and retains water in the soil at root level.
