As the summer heat kicks in, many of us are looking for ways to cut down on our water usage, both to save money and do our part for the environment.
As the summer heat kicks in, many of us are looking for ways to cut down on our water usage, both to save money and do our part for the environment. In fact, 30% of the water use from homeowners occurs outside the home, including watering plants and the lawn. This can rack up water bills and, in times of droughts like we’ve had (not this year!), unnecessary water use can negatively impact the environment and local water supplies. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce the amount of water needed to keep your lawn and plants freshly hydrated all summer long.
Add the Right Plants
First and foremost, take a look around your lawn and garden and consider what kinds of plants you have, and the maintenance and water usage they require. Filling your garden with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants and native grasses is a great way to reduce water usage and overall upkeep.
There are many beautiful, native plants and grasses that you can incorporate within your garden or even your whole yard! Opt for native wildflowers, succulents, or perennials that are adapted to our local climate. Not only will these plants thrive with less water, but they'll also attract pollinators and other wildlife to your yard.
Use Rain to Your Advantage
Another great way to cut down on water usage is to collect rainwater and use it to irrigate your lawn and garden. Especially during summers like the one we’ve been having this year, taking advantage of rain is a smart, efficient, and free way to water your yard and plants without using extra water. Rainwater is naturally soft and free of the salts and minerals found in municipal water, so it's actually better for your plants too.
Setting up a simple rain barrel system is a great DIY project that can make a big difference. Or, you can hire our local landscapers to help design and implement a rainwater capture system in your yard to maximize the summer precipitation and prevent your plants from being parched!
Water Strategically
Finally, be strategic about when and how you water. Most cities in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin have watering schedules to follow to ensure you don’t excessively use water for your lawn. Typically, this means if your address ends with an odd number, you can water your lawn on the odd days, and if your house number is even, you can water on the even days. Following these guidelines not only helps you save on your water bill, but it helps the city and local area conserve water during the warm months. Plus, your yard doesn’t necessarily need to be watered every day in order for it to look its best!
The best times to water your lawn are in the early morning or evening before the sun is high and the heat is strongest, to minimize evaporation. If you water in the middle of the day when your grass is “thirstiest,” then it’ll quickly absorb the water or the water will evaporate more quickly. It is also a good idea to consider investing in a smart irrigation controller that can automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions, so you’re not doubling up on rainy days, and are giving the right amount of water on those hotter, sunnier days.
Create a Sustainable Lawn This Summer
There are many ways to promote sustainability in your own backyard. From planting native grasses and creating pollinator gardens, to participating in sustainable grassroots efforts, to reducing your water usage, you can help create healthy ecosystems throughout your yard, your area, and even your city!
Starting a sustainable yard and creating landscaping that promotes pollinators and reduces water usage is easier than you may think! There are plenty of sustainable DIY ideas out there, and if you want some help getting your sustainable project off the ground, you can always contact the team at SunKissed Landscaping! We are a local landscaping business who is passionate about sustainability and helping the environment while creating beautiful landscapes throughout neighborhoods.
Get started on your next sustainable landscaping project today!
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