WATERING TIPS

Water your lawn when it needs it. Check by stepping on the grass. If it springs back up it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, its time to water. Trees and shrubs generally require about half (some shrubs even less) of what the lawn needs. Check the moisture of the soil 3-6” below the surface. With our clay soils, the surface will dry out in hours, but the clay remains moist beneath the surface.

Brown “dry spots” require extra care . Don't turn up the water if you see a small patch of brown turf. It could mean over–watering other plants and will result in wasting water. Instead, look for blocked sprinkler heads or uneven coverage. Adjust the irrigation system or water the spot by hand.

Water during the cool parts of the day. Night and early morning are the best times to water. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

Don't water the gutter! Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden. Not on paved areas. Watch for runoff. That is a sign that your lawn can no longer take in water at the rate you sprinkler is dishing it out. Try watering for a shorter period with repeat cycles.

Cycle your lawn clippings. Mow at least once a week, and leave the clippings on the lawn, if they are not too long. The clippings will restore nutrients to the soil and slow water loss due to evaporation during the high temperature months. Consider raising the height of your mower blade, but make sure you're the grass does not grow to block the sprinkler heads.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth, too. Keep mulch a couple of inches away from trunks and stems.

Yellow leaves on shrubs may be a sign of over-watering. More plants suffer from over-watering than from becoming too dry!

Check for broken sprinkler heads and for leaks in hoses and couplings. Leaks outside the house can go unnoticed for a long time when sprinklers are timed to go on when no one is watching.

Feed roses and annual flowers regularly for the best blooms.

Option**  

*By cycling your irrigation timer to turn on for the suggested number of minutes an hour apart, you reduce runoff and gain deeper watering and healthier root growth. Start with this schedule and increase the times only if your plants show signs of stress. If stress occurs only in isolated areas, check your system before increasing the time.

**Some irrigation controllers have a feature by which the watering time can be set by changing (lowering the percentage instead of specifically entering the day, cycles and minutes.

Water Tips...

• A milky or cloudy appearance is usually caused by air bubbles in the water, which pose no health threat. If the water is allowed to sit , air will dissipate and the water will be clear.
  
• Regularly check for leaking faucets and toilets.
  
• Install ultra-low flush toilets or toilet tank displacement bags.
  
• Install water saving showerheads and aerators on your faucets.
  
• Do not leave the water running while you are brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, or defrosting food.
  
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
  
• When deciding what plants to add to your landscape, consider plants that are "drought resistant." Your local nursery can help with that decision.
  
• Wash your car with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle or at a commercial car wash that uses recycled water.

A Message From Tom...

Call today for a free Residential Survey that can save water and money on your energy bill. By participating you can receive new free low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These surveys can reduce household water use by up to 100 gallons per day with no impact on your family. Appointments can be made to fit your schedule and take less than an hour. I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity now by calling for an appointment at 661/393-5411.

Tom Holson
Water Conservation
Specialist

Water Trivia...
A faucet leaking 90 drops a minute wastes 3700 gallons a year, worth about $4.00