9 Tips That Will Help You Save Water

1. Don't over water your lawn. Use a smart controller or upgradeable system such the Acclima moisture sensor controller (www.efficientirrigation.com). It will assure you are watering at the optimum level. They are highly cost effective.

2. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest.

3. Position your sprinklers so that you water only your turf and landscape. A simple adjustment can keep water from running onto sidewalks, streets and driveways.

4. Best for shrubs are drip irrigation and soaker hoses. In particularly hot areas the sun dries the plants and bushes that have been sprayed thus losing the benefit of the watering. Get the water in the roots of the soil. Your local hardware store can help you convert to these systems.

5. Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly. Cut the lawn closer to the top of the grass of turf. A lawn cut higher shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.

6. Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

7. Mulching holds water in the soil longer and eliminates or minimizes weeds. Mulch around trees and shrubs and in garden beds.

8. Use only plant varieties that are well adapted to your locality. Poorly chosen varieties often need greater amounts of fertilizer and water just to stay alive. Group plans together based on similar water needs.

9. Do not hose down your driveway or sidewalk. Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from these areas.

Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.