Is your watering routine costing you green?
Mastering efficient irrigation practices can save you money on your water bill while keeping your yard healthy and vibrant.
When it comes to your yard, though, drip irrigation is considered one of the most efficient methods of irrigation, according to National Geographic. Drip irrigation is a system that allows water to drop onto plants through holes in a type of pipe. This practice focuses the water on the plant versus other methods that can lose water to evaporation.
Sprinkler automatic shut-off devices are also a significant water-saving potential, according to the Federal Energy Management Program. These clever sprinkler gadgets have a built-in shut-off valve that automatically stops water flow if the head breaks.
If you want something even more technologically advanced, WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers act like a thermostat for your sprinkler system, telling it when to turn on and off, use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on the site, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Evaporation is at its highest during the summer months, making July the perfect month to be designated Smart Irrigation Month.
The cost of watering a lawn, of course, depends on the cost of water in a region, how much grass one has, and how much water is used.
There are some good general rules to help make irrigation practices smarter.
- Most lawns need one to one and a half inches of water a week, according to Forbes. Too frequent watering will create shallow root systems.
- Up to 30% of your water can evaporate under the midday sun. Water in the evening or early morning when it's cooler and calmer to maximize moisture for your plants. Watering at night can cause the water to pool and increase the chance of lawn diseases.
- Check a rain gauge before watering. If it's rained one and a half inches, there's no need to water that week.
- Also, take note of what the grass is doing. Curled or bent grass blade tips indicate the grass needs more moisture, according to Forbes. If walking across the lawn generates footprints that stay, it can indicate thirsty grass. Grass that is well-hydrated will bounce back into position.
Watering on a whim hurts your wallet and your plants. Smart watering keeps your wallet and greenery happy.