Water Conservation Tips for...
Homeowners
Lawn Watering and Water Conservation Tips From Rain Bird Corporation that Will Keep Your Lawn, Garden and Wallet Full of Green
 Did
you ever think that you could be saving water by using an irrigation
system? Probably not, but if your irrigation system is correctly
designed, installed and maintained, it will help minimize the amount of
water you use and still keep your lawn and landscape looking healthy.
Here are some practical tips to help you have a lush, green landscape...
1. Don't drown
The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often --
much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long
session, water a few times for shorter periods and take 15-minute
breaks in between each session. This will allow water to soak in, while
minimizing runoff.
2. Watch the clock
Water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. -- when the sun is low, winds are calm
and temperatures are cool. Mid-day watering tends to be less efficient
because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during
the day. Watering in the evening isn't a good idea either because
leaves can remain wet overnight -- an open invitation for fungus to
grow. By watering in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out
during the day.
3. Divide by zones
Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide your yard and
landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be
watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and
trees. Both sprinkler and drip irrigation can be incorporated to
achieve more efficient use of water.
4. Water only things that grow
If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler
heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water
instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift.
5. Consider dripping
When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted
containers, or other nongrassy areas, consider applying water directly
to the roots using low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water
waste through evaporation or runoff, and will prevent unwanted weeds
from growing.
6. Do routine inspections
Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a
problem may not be discovered until it is too late. Periodically check
your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged
head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.
7. Be rain smart
Adjust your irrigation system as the seasons and weather change. Or
better yet, install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain
or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and enable you to take
advantage of the water without having paying for it.
We hope you've found these tips useful. For additional information, take a look at the following pages of our website:
For
more watering tips, or information on the product categories mentioned,
take a look around this website, or contact your local Rain Bird
retailer.
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