Facts
With
recent drought conditions and increasing demands on limited water supplies the
need to conserve water has become a major issue for many communities in
Reducing the amount of water used for lawn
and landscape maintenance is essential to protecting water supplies for current
and future uses and for protecting natural resources. Efficient use of water can
help prevent waste, lessen the effects of drought, and help minimize run-off and
leaching. While each site will have different considerations such as soil type,
grass species, weather, and sun exposure, some general practices can be used for
developing an efficient watering approach.
1. Reduce
lawn size
By reducing lawn size you can substantially
reduce the amount of water used for landscape maintenance. Replace lawn area
with native species of trees and shrubs. Consider alternatives to grass
especially when you have steep slopes and shady areas.
2. Use
drought resistant grass species
Mixtures of grass species are used to get the
most effective and long-lasting seasonal coverage. Fine fescues have low water
needs and high drought tolerance. Some cultivars of endophytic seeds tend to
have a high tolerance for drought and nutrient deficiencies. Generally an insect
resistant mixture of grasses that includes a high percentage of fine fescues
will ensure a drought resistant lawn.
3. Choose
native and drought tolerant species
Native species have adapted to the
environmental conditions of
4. Water
only when necessary
In most years,
5. Water
your lawn in the evening or early morning
If your lawn does not have a fungi problem,
it is best to water between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Watering can also take place
early in the morning just prior to or just after sunrise. Watering early in the
morning will allow your grass to dry quickly and lose less water from
evaporation. This can reduce disease susceptibility by limiting moist conditions
which encourage spore germination and the spread of fungal infection.
6. Water
slowly and deeply
Watering slowly and deeply will allow the
water to be absorbed. You should water four to six inches deep, which means
about one inch of water on the surface. If using a sprinkler system, place a
rain gauge or shallow cans on either side of the sprinkler and measure the water
that it collects. This approach will help you to determine the amount of water
you are using.
7. Collect
rainwater for landscaping needs
Use cisterns or rain barrels to capture
rainwater from downspouts to use for newly planted vegetation. Use a lid, mesh
fabric or add several drops of baby oil to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
8. Water
on sloped areas with care
When watering on sloped areas do not apply
water faster than it is being absorbed. Water regularly until you begin to see
run off. Stop the watering until it is absorbed into the ground and then
continue until you have watered four to six inches deep.
Maintain sprinkler systems and irrigation
equipment. Make sure that the sprinkler system is appropriate for your landscape
and watering needs. Install matched precipitation sprinkler heads which apply
water according to area specific needs. Make sure that the irrigation system has
a rain shutoff device. Locate irrigation heads at least eight inches from paved
areas and watch where water is going! You should not be watering the sidewalk,
street, or the neighbor’s yard.
9. Additional
Suggestions
Check your equipment. Fix leaky hoses or
faucets. Install a shut off device on hoses to prevent water loss from
unattended hoses. Hoses without a nozzle can spout 10 gallons or more per
minute. Do not leave faucets or hoses on when they are not in use.
Abide by your town’s water bans. Water bans
are put in place for a reason!!
Use mulch: Organic mulch lowers the
temperature of the soil, which in turns reduces water evaporation. However, you
must be careful not to apply too much (the soil does require some heat). Plastic
films do the same (clear), while also preventing unwanted weeds around plants.
http://www.state.ma.us/dfa/waterwellbeing/water_facts.htm