Did you know that landscape irrigation wastes almost one and a half billion gallons of water every day and accounts for as much as 60% of urban water use? That’s a lot of water, especially in as dry a state as Texas and especially during the high-use water season of summer.
But there are ways you can water your lawns and gardens more efficiently.
Here are some tips that can significantly curb your irrigation water consumption while helping you maintain a greener landscape:
1. Use smart irrigation technology
New irrigation technologies can reduce your water use by up to 50%.
2. Know when and how to water
Operate your irrigation system during the cooler hours of the early morning rather than during the heat of the day or when the winds are high. Forgo frequent shallow waterings and opt for deeper, less frequent ones instead as this encourages deeper root growth.
3. Cut back on fertilizer use
When you use fertilizer, your lawn will require more watering. This in turn creates the need for more mowing which can lead to increased water consumption. Remember, longer grass means less water evaporation.
4. Prepare the soil and mulch generously
The texture of the soil has a direct influence on water retention, drainage and aeration. Remove existing weeds that may compete with other plants for sunlight and nutrients and add a thick layer of mulch to insulate the soil against moisture evaporation.
5. Use climate-appropriate plants and put them in the right places
Stick with as many native plant species as possible that are from your climate zone and group trees, shrubs and perennials according to their watering needs. Put low water users away from buildings or where water may not be readily available.
6. Limit turf areas
Unfortunately, lawns require a lot of water and maintenance. Use them only where they can serve a purpose rather than as ornamentation.
Keeping your lawns and gardens beautiful during the hot Texas summers can be a challenge. But with a little help from South Austin Irrigation, you can maintain landscape health while saving money and water. Don’t settle for high water bills or brown, dried-out landscapes. Contact us today and discover the South Austin Irrigation difference!
