Think Spring – Landscaping Tips to Help Homeowners Reduce Water Consumption
Today, March 20, 2018, marks the first day of spring. As the flowers start to bud, the grass starts to green, and the temperature starts to rise, you may begin thinking about landscaping. Before you do, take a couple of moments to read the tips below on how to save money by reducing your water consumption for the upcoming lawn and garden season.
Lawn maintenance
- Keep a rain meter outside to see exactly how much rain your yard is getting each week.
- Set irrigation systems for long, deep soakings no more than two to three times per week around sunrise. (Prevents root rot and water loss via evaporation).
- Zoned sprinkler systems help assure that the correct amount of water is applied to all parts of the lawn, preventing both swamps and hard-pan areas.
- Aerating your soil is also important for efficient water absorption.
- Keeping grass at least 3” long helps to shade its roots and surrounding soil, reducing moisture loss.
- Planting shade trees reduces lawn watering requirements.
- When buying fertilizer, aim for non-phosphorus formulations to avoid contributing to the toxic algae problems Lake Erie has been having in recent years.
Plants
- Planting native plants reduces watering requirements because those have already adapted to the natural precipitation of the area.
- Grouping plantings by watering needs helps to assure plants thrive and reduces overall watering.
- Starting off new plantings with organic-rich soil around the rootball better establishes your new plant.
- Read labels, especially light requirements. It’s common to want to overwater when a plant is not doing well, when, in actuality, the real culprit could be inappropriate light.
Mulch
- Mulch also provides organic material for the soil and reduces evaporation.
- Two to three inches of mulch can significantly reduce watering requirements.
- Remember, when placing mulch around foundations, make sure it’s higher where it meets your house and gradually lowers as it comes away from it.
Happy spring and thank you for helping protect our resource – Lake Erie!
Avon Lake Regional Water