JULY TIP: WATER SAVER PHASE III

Hello and welcome to the third installment of our water saving tips for the summer. We hope the past two have been helpful and that you are trying to conserve more water for our lovely planet.

This month we are going to focus on the outside. It is quite simple, less is more folks! So here are a few simple tips to help guide you this summer:

THE LAWN
-Did you know you can alter your automatic sprinklers to where their pressure is more then 1/2 of what it usually puts out? Make sure to look into how to change your water pressure system, and make sure that you're not watering your driveway or the sidewalk!

-Timing your automatic sprinklers for early mornings or late evenings to give your lawn it’s best soaking because less heat allows the water and the morning/evening dew to settle in.

-Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day.

-Filling up a watering can will allow you to use a lot less water than a hose but still keep your roses pretty.

-Follow your county's guidelines on water usage. They mean it! If you don't follow them I can promise someone will call the local law enforcement and report you. They most definitely will "guide" you to be more conservative with water. (Believe me, I have met some folks who have taken action, and rightfully so).

~Facts & More Tips~

• On average, 50-70% of household water is used outdoors
  
  
• Walk across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
  
  
• Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water.
  
  
• Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
  
  
• Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
  
  
• Maintaining a 3-inch layer of mulch will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, etc.

Lastly, look into alternative options instead of having a lawn at all. Like growing your own herb and/or vegetable garden, using sustainable, long living, and little maintenance plants (i.e. bamboo, cactus). Being resourceful and conservative at the same time is not only good for the planet but for the pocket book too!

Please leave comments on how YOU save water during these hot summer months!

Happy 4th of July and have a great simple green summer month!