| Water efficiency tips for your yard |
By: Carol Odell
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By Carol Odell, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado
With the severe drought we’ve experienced during the past few years, it’s more important than ever to use our water wisely and carefully. The experts at Colorado Springs Utilities have 10 tips for reducing water usage and maximizing the results of the water you do use.
1. Water in the evening and early morning when temperatures are cooler and wind is minimal. Watering between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. will reduce evaporation.
2. Water deeply and infrequently.
3. Water slowly.
4. Monitor the how much precipitation has fallen with a rain gauge.
5. Reduce fertilizer applications on grass in the spring. Lush new growth requires more water. The most important time to fertilize grasses? The fall.
6. Raise mowing height to 3 inches. Keep blades sharp. An even, clean cut makes grass attractive.
7. Use organic mulches wherever possible. Materials such as shredded tree materials, bark chips or straw will maintain soil moisture by slowing evaporation.
8. Keep the landscape well weeded. Weeds use valuable soil moisture.
9. Remember to water young trees and shrubs planted in the last three years. Soaker hoses placed at the drip line are efficient.
10. Change your expectations for your landscape. Bluegrass lawns can be dormant for several months during the warm season with little or no long-term damage as long as weed growth is kept in check and foot traffic is kept to a minimum.
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