A beautiful lawn is an eye-catching feature that virtually anyone can appreciate. It’s one of the first things visitors notice when they pull up to your property and it says a lot about you, as a homeowner. Although it does involve frequent watering, there are a few ways to irrigate your lawn more efficiently and effectively.
Here are some water saving irrigation tips for your lawn:
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Have Your System Audited
Talk to your local water provider about conducting an irrigation audit of your system. Some providers will perform this service for free, while others may charge a small fee. If yours does not, you can also look for a certified landscape irrigation auditor in your area. The auditor will generate a report based on the condition of your entire system with recommendations on how to fix or improve it. Some may even suggest an optimal watering schedule for each month of the year.
Irrigate in the Mornings
Irrigate during the morning hours, whenever possible. Since it’s cooler in the morning, less water evaporates, increasing the efficiency of your watering. Mornings are also less windy, so the water from your sprinklers won’t get blown into your neighbors yard. Evening watering causes the water to sit on the lawn all night, which may result in plant and turf diseases.
Check for Obstructions
Check for tall grass or shrubs that may prevent proper water distribution. These types of obstructions can deflect your water off elsewhere, causing your lawn to require more water than would normally be necessary. This is even more likely if your sprinkler heads protrude less than 3 inches above the surface. Sprinkler heads that rise up over 4 inches can help even out your water distribution patterns.
Fix Leaks and Stuck Valves
Search for signs of leaks that may result in a waste of water. If there’s water running onto sidewalks and curbs even after the water is turned off, you probably have a stuck valve somewhere. Mold or algae growing along a certain part of the ground indicates a constant flow of water that may be the result of a partially open valve. This may be due to something as small as a grain of sand. If cleaning the valve doesn’t work, replace it.
Replace Your Sprinkler Heads
Another effective way to save water is to upgrade your sprinkler heads if you’re using an older system. Technology has improved considerably in recent years and newer systems are far more efficient than what was available 20 years ago. For example, rotary nozzles are able to cover a greater radius with much less water than older nozzles. Just be sure to select nozzles that have a radius that matches the distance between them.
It takes lots of time and effort to achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn. Fortunately, it is possible to cut back on the amount of water required to get the job done. If you have a decent irrigation system, a few minor adjustments may be all that’s needed.
