Five Ways to Reduce Outside Water Use

The long drought has finally hit most residents of North Texas cities in their own back yards: mandatory outside watering restrictions are in place. We have found five ideas for limiting outside water use and still maintaining an attractive landscape with plenty of curb appeal.

1. Avoid runoff on sloping areas by cycling the water off and on. Apply water slowly for five to fifteen minutes and then turn it off for fifteen minutes. Repeat until you have watered the correct amount. This process is particularly helpful for those who are unlucky enough to live on lots composed of clay soil. Consider using low output sprinkler heads, bubbles, or drip irrigation systems as tools to avoid runoff.



2. When replacing plants or trees that have died because of this summer's hot temperatures and lack of water, consider replanting with drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. A blooming Mexican heather outperforms a drooping azalea in almost every category. As an added bonus, native plants can provide food for wildlife.



3. Consider using groundcover rather than turf, especially on oddly-shaped areas. It's easier to maintain, requires less water, and will avoid runoff.



4. Again, to those unlucky owners of clay: consider adding organic material to your clay soil at every opportunity. You'll use less water, and your landscape plantings will perform better.



5. Evaluate your sprinkler system. The next post will include instructions for determining how much water your sprinkler system is delivering. Use those numbers to decide how long to water.

Following these tips will assist you in saving money and your expensive landscape.