Water Conservation Tips

Published:  11-03-2007

1. Water wisely. Generally, your lawn needs about an inch of water a week. Over watering lawns results in shallow-rooted plants that are less tolerant of heat and drought, and more prone to disease. Avoid over watering by using a rain gauge and watering only when necessary, instead of on a fixed schedule.
2. Improve your aim. Adjust your sprinklers to water only your lawn and plants ” not your driveway, sidewalk, or street.
3. Use mulch. Place a thick layer of mulch (e.g., four inches) around trees and plants. This helps retain water, reduce weeds, and minimize the need for pesticides.
4. Sweep it. Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom, instead of a hose. You’ll save water and keep unwanted pollutants out of the storm drain.
5. Put rainwater to work. Use rainwater to water your plants. Direct downspouts toward your plants and green areas or collect water with rain barrels for use later.
6. Water only once a week. When it hasn’t rained, a deep soaking every week will provide your plants with plenty of moisture.
7. Mow high. Make your lawn cheaper and easier to maintain by mowing high (three inches is recommended). Longer grass has deeper roots and requires less water.
8. Soak don’t sprinkle. When you water, aim the nozzle at the base of plants so more water will reach the roots.
9. Don’t water in the heat of the day. You will only lose water to evaporation. If you have an automatic system, set it to come on in the early morning hours between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.
10. Turn off the sprinkler when it rains. Install an inexpensive rain sensor shut-off switch.

FOX Environmental, LLC
262 Forkner Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
404-441-7568 phone
404-370-0790 fax
foxenvironmental@comcast.net
www.home.comcast.net/~foxenvironmental