LESS IS MORE - Outdoor Watering
Reduce Wasted Water
Did You Know?
· Outdoor water use can account for up to 50% of total water use for a home during the summer months.
· Homes with automated irrigation systems are more likely to overuse outdoor water (i.e. wasted water running down sidewalk).
· Over irrigation can damage plants or make them unhealthy.
· Over-watered plants are more susceptible to disease and pest infestation.
(Personally, I have killed more plants from over-watering than under-watering.)
What You Can Do:
· Mulch - Mulch holds moisture in the soil and prevents evaporation from soil surface. Fine-textured mulches (pine straw, mini nuggets, shredded hardwood) are more effective in conserving moisture than coarse-textured mulch. Apply to as large an area under the plant as possible. Consider putting 2-3 sheets of newspaper under mulch for added water retention.
· Deep Watering - Shallow frequent watering encourages a weak root system and reduces plant tolerance of drought.
· Water Roots, not Leaves - Wetting the foliage encourages diseases and results in water loss through evaporation.
· Hand-water newly planted trees, shrubs, and thirstier plants. Again, deep watering is the best way to encourage strong root system and drought tolerance.
· Use Drip, Trickle or Soaker Hose - Drip irrigation uses 50% less water than conventional sprinkler irrigation and applies water slowly and directly to root system.
· Use the Timer and Install a Rain Sensor on Irrigation System - Rain Sensors are inexpensive extras that usually pay for themselves (in water savings) within 2 years.
· Adjust Irrigation Controller - according to change in seasons and rainfall.
· Depend on rainfall as main outdoor water source when possible.
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