General Tips

Much of the summer peak demand is attributed to lawn and garden watering. Often water is applied inefficiently, resulting in significant wastage due to over watering, evaporation or run-off. Here are some general watering tips to help avoid wastage:

• Before watering, always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied to your lawn or garden in the preceding week. Leave a measuring container (empty it once per week) in the yard to help you monitor the amount of rainfall and follow the tips below to help determine how much water to add. Also bear in mind any watering restrictions that may apply in your municipality.
  
  
• Water in the early morning, before 9 a.m., to reduce evaporation and scorching of leaves from the sun. Water on calm days to prevent wind drift and evaporation.
  
  
• Set up your sprinkler or hose to avoid watering hard surfaces such as driveways and patios. If you're not careful, it's water and money down the drain.
  
  
• Water slowly to avoid run-off and to ensure the soil absorbs the water.
  
  
• Regularly check your hose or irrigation equipment for leaks or blockages.
  
  
• Collect rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel or other large container and keep it covered with an insect screen. Direct the down spout of your eaves troughs into the rain barrel.
  
  
• Use water from dish rinsing, dehumidifiers or other gray water sources that do not contain harmful chemicals.
  
  
• Choose an efficient irrigation system. A soaker hose placed at the base of plants on the ground applies water to the soil where it is needed-rather than to the leaves-and reduces evaporation. Drip or trickle irrigation systems are highly efficient because they deliver water slowly and directly to the roots under the soil surface. This promotes deeper roots, which improve a plant's drought resiliency. If you use a sprinkler, choose one with a timer and that sprays close to the ground.

Tips for Your Lawn

Established lawns¹ generally require about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week to thrive². If Mother Nature is providing this amount of rainfall, your lawn will thrive without supplemental watering. When rainfall does not provide adequate moisture, your grass may start to turn brown. This does not mean it is dead-it's simply dormant. An established lawn will recover and resume its green appearance shortly after sufficient rainfall returns.

Apply these tips to save water and money without compromising the health of your lawn:

• Apply about 1 inch of water not more than once per week and skip a week after a good rain. The correct amount can be estimated by placing an empty tuna can on your lawn as you apply water evenly across the surface. When the water level reaches the top of the can, you've applied about 1 inch of water which is all your lawn needs. You can time how long it takes to reach this level, then set the timer on your sprinkler.
  
  
• Water thoroughly. Deep watering at this rate is better than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages deep roots.
  
  
• Don't water your lawn excessively. When it's waterlogged, it may turn yellow and develop fungus and diseases. Oxygen and mineral uptake may be restricted on heavy clay soils. Too much watering can also lead to thatch and fertilizer leaching.
  
  
• Check your municipality to see if watering restrictions are in effect.
  
  
• Avoid mowing and unnecessary traffic on your lawn when the lawn is dry or dormant.
  
  
• Don't cut your lawn too short. Shaded roots make the grass hold water better.
  
  
• Aerate your lawn once a year in the early spring or fall to improve water penetration. Afterwards, topdress by applying a thin layer of organic material and rake to distribute evenly. You can overseed after this to help thicken the lawn.
  
  
• A thick, vigorous lawn is the best prevention against weed invasions and can better withstand heat and dryness.  Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nitrogen to the lawn, and reduce moisture loss.