Water Saving tips for Lawn and Garden, Fairfield County, Ct.
The average American household uses 30% of their domestic water as outdoor use. In some parts of the country such as California it can go up as high as 60%. It is estimated that up to 50% of landscape water use goes to waste due to evaporation, wind or runoff caused by overwatering.
It is easy to have a great looking yard, save money, conserve water and protect the environment, here are some tips.
- Avoid watering in the middle of the day, water early in the morning or evening. This will reduce evaporation.
- Use a drip irrigation system or simple irrigation hose in your gardens. Drip irrigation saves water by minimizing evaporation and water runoff.
- Use a rain barrel or other types of Rainwater harvesting systems to water gardens.
- Mulch around shrubs and plant can reduce weeds and keep water where needed.
- Position sprinklers to water only yard, not driveways, sidewalks, house, patios, etc.
- Make sure sprinkler heads do not overlap, regular inspections for leaks.
- For irrigation systems on a timer make sure the system has a rain sensor so you do not waste water while it is raining.
- Avoid over watering, us as rain gauge to tell when your lawn needs watering and how much you are applying. In general grass needs ¾ to 1 inch of water per week.
- If the forecast calls for rain hold off on watering.
- How much lawn do you really need? Grass is a huge water hog, by re-naturalizing un-need lawn areas you will save time and money and will help reduce water pollution.
- Mulch your lawn by letting lawn clippings remain on the lawn.
- Set your mower at one of the higher cutting heights will help the lawn retain water?
- Sharpen the mowers blade; dull blades tear the grass which requires it to use 40-60% more water to rejuvenate.
- Plant native and native like plants from your region, they will need less watering, fertilizer and pesticides.
- Use one of the new drought resistant grasses when planting new grass.
For more links and information on the EPA’s Water Sense program click here.
David Popoff is a license real estate agent in Fairfield County, Connecticut, along with being a NAR ~ Green designee and LEED AP Home accredited by USGBC.
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