Outdoor Conservation Tips

• Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting xeric shrubs, ground covers and water efficient grasses, such as Blue Grama and Buffalo Grass.

• Incorporate compost into your landscape planting beds, or when preparing your yard for new sod.  Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.

• Use your automatic sprinklers for larger areas of grass.  Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

• Set a timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose to avoid over watering.

• Water your lawn only when necessary. Test it by stepping on your grass. If it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. Adjust the sprinkler duration accordingly.

• Use a sprinkler that throws large drops of water rather than a fine mist. This will reduce water losses from wind drift and evaporation. Consider use of drip irrigation for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs.

• Water less in the spring and fall. During the hotter summer months, water lawns early in the morning to reduce evaporation losses.

• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered to avoid wasting water that hits the house, sidewalk, or street.

• Install a rain sensor on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.

• Turn your sprinkler clock off on windy days to avoid watering sidewalks, streets, your windows and car.  Water between sunset and sunrise when winds are usually calmer.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

• When washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water. Only use the hose for rinsing.

• Regular aerating is important to the health of your lawn. Try to aerate two to three times a year, especially in the fall and spring. Aeration breaks up the soil and allows water to soak in more easily.

• Use mulches to help reduce soil moisture loss and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

• Xeriscaping incorporates water-friendly, native plants into the landscape design.  If you are considering incorporating xeriscaping plants, visit the District's Water Smart Gardening Education Project located at 17250 Leggins Way for an example of a xeriscaping garden.

• Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.

• Avoid planting grass in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips.

• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting.  Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.

• Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees.

• Don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes and hoses for leaks.

• Check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.

• Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly.  Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.

• Don't go nuts with the flowers!  Yes, they're beautiful, but annuals such as petunias and impatiens typically require more water than most perennials.

• Keep track of how much water your plants are getting with a rain gauge so that you don't do double duty with a hose.

• Use the water you drain out of your fish tank when you clean it to water your landscape plants.  This water provides free and effective fertilizer.

• Install covers on your pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

• Use leftover ice to water your landscape plants in your yard instead of throwing it away.

• Eliminate overflow in outdoor hanging baskets, planters and pots by placing ice cubes under the moss or dirt.