A lush green lawn is a sign of pride for many homeowners.Depending on where you live, there may be water restrictions or low water levels for much of the year, and maintaining a green lawn will require a lot of water.It's important to learn how to conserve water no matter where you live.Learning how to efficiently water your lawn will save you money.
Step 1: Change your mowing habits.
It is important to mow the lawn, but cutting the grass too low can dry it out.The same pattern can cause stress to the grass from the repeated wheel tracks that follow the same direction week after week.You can try to change the direction you mow the grass in.It will help cut down on stress to the lawn, and may also prevent divots from forming in your pattern.The mower's wheels should be set to the correct height.Depending on the type of grass in your yard, there is a variation of recommended heights.For tall Fescue grass, it's best to keep it between two and a half and three inches.
Step 2: You can use a smart clock.
If you have an automatic irrigation system, you might want to consider getting a smart clock or irrigation controller.The devices that regulate how much water is put out by your sprinkler system typically have a rain sensor that shuts off your sprinklers when it starts to rain.Water consumers who install smart irrigation systems can get tax incentives.You should check with your local water authority to see if you qualify for the program.
Step 3: Don't increase how much you fertilize.
The lawn may dry out from frequent fertilization.Increasing the amount of fertilization you use will increase the need to water your lawn more frequently and in greater quantities.In late spring and early fall, use afertilizer that is three parts nitrogen, one part phosphorus, and two parts potassium.It is ideal for maintaining a healthy lawn.You can choose between a mixture of quick and slow-release fertilizers for your lawn.The rapid release of nitrogen requires more frequent applications over time.Follow the instructions and recommendations on your fertilizer's packaging label, or read online about how and when to apply it to your lawn.
Step 4: Reducing unnecessary watering can be done.
There are a number of reasons why you should water your lawn.It helps regulate the temperature of the soil and reduces airborne dust by keeping the grass at its optimum health.If there are parts of your yard that don't get a lot of foot traffic or serve an aesthetic purpose, consider reducing how much and how often you water those areas.You can still water them to prevent withering, but they may not need as much water as the rest of the yard.If you want to reduce the amount of water you use, you can lay down a layer of organic mulch over the top of the plants.This will help conserve water, and may reduce how often you need to water these parts of your yard.
Step 5: Water should be recycled.
If you don't have a vegetable or fruit garden, you may want to consider recycling water.Rainwater is safe to use, as it is the same water that would otherwise be used for irrigation in your yard, though there may be restrictions on how you harvest it.It is not safe to drink or use grey water from showers, dish sinks, and washing machines.When harvesting grey water, be sure to use soaps and detergents that are safe for the environment.Try to use products that are "plant friendly," meaning they are free from salt, boron, and chlorine bleach.Try to collect the rain.It's safe to use on any part of your lawn, and it helps cut down on municipal water consumption.Some states in the U.S. have laws regarding the collection and use of rain water.Click the Resources tab and read the section titled Laws, Rules and Codes to find out any requirements or restrictions on collecting and using rain in your state.You can start collecting rain by arranging buckets or barrels under the gutter.Rain barrels are one of the more advanced collection methods that you can use if you want to collect more rain.
Step 6: Check the sprinklers.
If your sprinklers are broken or leaking, you may be over watering parts of your lawn.To cut back on your water bill and conserve water during times of dry weather, it's important to check your sprinkler system and water faucets.
Step 7: Pull weeds.
In addition to taking up space in your yard, weeds compete for water and soil resources.Pull the weeds out if you want to kill them, but be sure to dig deep enough to remove the root system as pulling out the surface will not kill the weed.Spot applications can be used instead of a broad, whole-yard application if you must use chemical herbicides on your weeds.Many of the organisms that live in the soil can be harmed by spraying the entire yard.
Step 8: The right grass should be chosen.
It may seem like grass is only grass, but there are many different types of grass.Depending on the climate and region in which you live, each variety has advantages.Perennial Ryegrass is easy to establish across the lawn and can compete with weeds that grow in the yard.Tall Fescue grass has a deep root system that runs from three to six feet deep.Tall Fescue uses the same amount of water as a deep- root plant.If you live in a climate that is prone to droughts, it's good that it stays green.Fine Fescue grass has a high tolerance for dry weather.It will come back to a green shade once water comes back, even during dry periods.Fine Fescue grows well during cool weather, but can also go quiet during a dry spell.It doesn't require much fertilization.Kentucky bluegrass thrives in cool, humid, and semi-arid climates.The grass variety is tolerant of the weather.
Step 9: Look at alternatives to turf.
Whether you have a large yard that is difficult to manage or you simply want a little more diversity in your yard's landscape, there are plenty of options for non-turf alternatives.If your region offers incentives to homeowners who opt for non-turf alternatives, it may be worth checking online or with your local department of natural resources.In some yards ground cover is a good substitute for turf.Low-traffic parts of the yard are ideal for ground cover.It is possible to promote a green yard by planting ground cover in areas that lose a lot of water.Perennials, shrubs, and trees are excellent alternatives to grass.Many of these plants can help control erosion and water loss.It is possible to cut back on the amount of water you need to water your yard.A deck or patio is an excellent place to sit outside for a meal or a break from work.
Step 10: Evaluate your soil type.
The climate and time of year affect how often you need to water your lawn.You will not need to water as frequently if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain.Depending on the yard's composition and layout, some yards may not get the full benefit of rain.Some soil types absorb more water than others.Water will not be absorbed into the soil if the clay composition is high.Clay tends to hold an average of 1.5 inches of water per foot of soil, while fine sand and loamy sand hold less water at 0.7 and 0.8 inches, respectively.silty clay loam has the highest water retention of all soil types, with an average of 2.4 inches of water per foot of soil.The layout of the yard is a factor.Excess water will not be able to be absorbed by a sloped lawn.It will most likely run off downhill if it isn't readily absorbed.
Step 11: Decide when to drink water.
When watering your lawn, certain times of day are better than others.Depending on your climate, timing will be different.Where you live may be the most important factor in determining when and how often you need to water your lawn.You should water your lawn between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM if you live in a humid climate.It's best to water lawns before sunrise in hot, arid climates.This will help reduce the amount of water that is lost in the daytime.It's best to water your lawn before the sun goes down.This will make it easier to evaporate.
Step 12: Determine how often you need to water.
It is not necessary for the lawn to be watered on a daily basis.There are many factors that affect how often you need to water your lawn.Depending on the region, time of year, and hourly sprinkler output, you may need to water your lawn anywhere from 20 minutes to 200 minutes per week.The minimum amount of water is needed to maintain your lawn.If you use too much water, you may end up damaging your lawn with over-saturation.The best way to determine how often to water your lawn is to check it.It is a good sign that your grass is getting dry if footprints or lawnmower tracks remain in the grass for more than 30 minutes after passing through your yard.Take a look at the color of your lawn.The shade of the turf grass will change from a lush green to a blueish gray when it is dry.You can check the soil to see if it needs to be watered.Attach a stake or screwdriver to the ground.The soil is likely to retain enough water if the screwdriver breaks through it easily.
Step 13: Measure the sprinkler output.
How much water your sprinkler system puts out is an important factor in determining how often to water the lawn.You can measure the output of your sprinklers by placing empty and cleaned tuna cans across your lawn.Coffee mugs will work if you don't have empty cans.Use a ruler to measure the water depth in the yard after the sprinklers are run for 20 minutes.Divide the total number of containers by the average for the whole yard after 20 minutes.Divide the total yard measurement by 20 to get your total sprinkler output per hour.Take your region's recommended monthly watering time into account.Search online for a chart for your region.
Step 14: Determine the optimal amount of water for your lawn.
Each lawn has its own amount of water that it needs to grow and thrive.Factors like the kind of grass growing, soil composition, climate, and so on affect this amount.The evapo- transpiration rate is the best way to determine if you need to replenish water that leaves your lawn.It can be difficult to calculate the ET for some.The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has a page about calculating it.The free calculator on the website of the FAO is for lay people to use.If you can't figure it out yourself, you might want to talk to a master gardener at your local nursery or greenhouse.