WaterWise Tips

Much of the water applied to lawns and gardens is never absorbed by plants. The greatest waste of water results from applying it too rapidly or too often. Water applied too rapidly is lost as runoff, which may carry polluting fertilizers and pesticides to streams and lakes. Some water evaporates when applied to bare, unmulched soil, or in the hot afternoon.

Did you know? You can keep landscaping alive even during the worst summer heat with these practical tips:

• Water lawns only when needed
• Use native or adapted plants that do well on little water
• Mulch plants to hold in moisture and limit weed growth
• Install efficient irrigation systems
• Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants
• Water lawns during the early morning or evening hours
• Never water on windy days