Randy Fitzgerald, who works for Low Maintenance lawn care, waters a yard in the morning to conserve water. By watering in the early morning hours, homeowners can avoid the heat and wind. by Richard Gwin
Across Lawrence, lawn sprinklers have been turned to full blast as the temperatures rise.
But many of us may be watering too much. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 50 percent of the water used for landscaping goes to waste. That’s an unneeded expense that can add-up when you consider that the average single-family home uses at least 30 percent of its water for irrigation.
Here are some water conservation tips to help conserve both water and dollars:
1. Water early in the day
Water in the morning hours before temperatures start to sky rocket. According to the EPA, at mid-day most of the water evaporates and in the evening, watering can encourage the growth of mold or plant disease.
2. Keep the sprinklers efficient
Make sure that sprinklers are reaching the intended areas and not spraying driveways and sidewalks. Also, lawns should be watered separately from plants.
Jennifer Smith, horticulture agent for Kansas State University Research and Extension, Douglas County, recommends keeping the sprinklers on timers. However, she also suggests using a rain sensor, which cost less than a $100. Rain sensors can be programed to shut off the sprinkler system when it rains. The period of time the sprinkler is off is determined by how much rain falls.
3. Measure how much water is being used
Grass should receive about an inch of water per week, Smith said. The best way to measure water is to put a can in the yard to collect it and then measure it with a ruler. To avoid surface water runoff, Smith recommends watering two to three times a week.
4. Keep the grass high
One of the most important things you can do to conserve water is raising the mowing height, Smith said. For most grasses, the height should be at a minimum of three inches. That might put the mower at its highest setting. Keeping the grass high will reduce stress on the plants and make it grow slower and take less fertilizer and water.
“It will be a little happier and healthier overall,” Smith said.
5. Leave the grass clippings behind
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing requires less water (it’s a concept known as greencycle). According to the EPA, the clippings quickly decompose and release valuable nutrients back into the soil, which helps feed the lawn and reduces the need for fertilizer by 25 to 50 percent.
6. Use recycled water
For those that are really serious about water conservation, install a rain barrel. These large barrels collect rain water off roofs and gutters that then can be used for watering plants and lawns. Both the city of Lawrence and Douglas County extension office offer classes on how to build them. Or, follow this step by step process supplied by GO!’s Fix-it-Chick Linda Cottin.
Tagged: lawns, water conservation
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