YARD IDEAS

Blue=art ideas

Planning & Upkeep of Your Lawn

Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.

If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.

Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.

Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.

Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.

Watering Grass

Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.  

Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.  

Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.

If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.

Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.   

 

Plants and Shrubs

Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid over-watering some while under-watering others.

Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.

Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.

Other Ideas

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.

When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.

Cover your backyard pool and hot tub to minimize evaporation.

We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

Trickling or cascading garden fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.

Backyard Pets and Play

Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.