Lawncare, gardening and landscaping projects – think sprinklers, garden hoses and irrigation systems -- are major water users. But learning how to water wisely can conserve both water and money. Grow your savings with these lawncare tips below.
- Only water when needed: in NJ, most landscapes need only one inch of water each week; that amount can often be delivered through just rainfall and dew.
- Water the roots of plants, not their foliage.
- Mulch around trees and plants to decrease evaporation and to resist water-consuming weeds.
- Avoid over-fertilizing lawns, which causes them to need more water to survive.
- Use native plants that require less water, and group plants together based on their water needs.
- Reduce lawn areas and increase the size of areas that need less water, such as native plant beds.
- Raise your lawnmower blade to a minimum of three inches to promote deeper grass roots that retain water better.
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks, decks and steps instead of spraying them with a hose to remove debris.
- Collect water in a rain barrel that is placed beneath downspouts on your house.
- Use drip irrigation and micro-spray equipment, which use 30-50% less water than sprinklers.
Bonus tip:
If puddles form on the landscape or in the street, you’re likely overwatering.
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Source: NJ State Department of Environmental Protection.