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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.
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