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Smart Watering
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Make Every Drop Count
For lawns, a loss of shine or the lingering presence of footprints indicate that it's time to water. |
Water Infrequently But Deeply to Moisten the Whole Root Zone
- For lawns, a loss of shine or the lingering presence of footprints indicate that it's time to water.
- Vegetables and other annuals should be watered at the first sign of droop.
- Trees and shrubs usually don't need to be watered once they are fully established (2 to 4 years).
Make Every Drop Count
- Water in the early morning or evening to avoid quick evaporation.
- Use mulch around plants to hold in moisture.
- Choose low-water-use plants.
- Use timers, soaker hoses or drip irrigation to manage water use.
- Water lawns separately from other plantings, and don't water the sidewalk.
- If your soil is dry or compacted, stop watering for a while and then restart.
Let the Rain Soak In
- Direct downspouts out onto lawns and garden beds.
- Use open pavers, gravel or other types of pavement that let rain in.
- Create swales to direct rooftop rain toward your plants.
- Visit the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Rain Barrel Information Web site to learn where to buy or how to make your own rain barrel.
If You Have an Irrigation System
- Inspect the system once a month - look for leaks or heads that are plugged or misdirected.
- Test and adjust the system annually and make any necessary repairs.
- Install a rain shutoff device.
- Adjust the watering schedule throughout the growing season - plants need a lot less water in May and September than they do in July and August.
Visit the Saving Water Partnership (external link) Web site to view general water conservation guidelines, steps to saving water and more.
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