Your yard is a place where spending time relaxing and enjoying the warm weather is at the top of the list for the summer months. But, if you are not using any kind of strategy when it comes to watering and caring for your yard, you could see an extra zero on your utility bills that makes all of that relaxing completely not worth the effort.
Here are some tips for saving time, money and water on your yard and garden:
- Limit the amount of grass that you plant. Grass is a naturally thirsty plant and will drain your resources quickly. Instead, plant a modest patch of grass and then landscape the rest of your yard with plants and landscaping that requires little to no water.
- Mow your lawn when it has grown high to ensure the most water absorption and leave the cut grass on the lawn to provide some shade and protection.
- If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to check it now and again to make sure it is watering efficiently. Don’t just set it and forget it.
- Water as needed rather than on schedule. When you walk on your grass, if you can see your footprints in the lawn then it needs watering. If not, you can wait a few days and try the footprint test again.
- If you have flower beds, set up an irrigation system that will only water the roots and base of your flowers rather than showering the leaves and petals. This the best way to make the most of your watering.
- Install plants that are drought resistant or, that require little to no water. Succulents and flowering cacti can still leave a beautiful landscape that is pleasing to the eye.
- Plants that are in pots are especially thirsty because their roots are compacted into a small area and can’t extend further to find more water. Avoid potted plants in the summer months.
- Plant several trees in your yard. The shade they provide can be a lifesaver – not to mention saving on money by cooling off your home.
- On a weekly basis, check your sprinkler and irrigation systems to make sure that there aren’t any cracks, or leaks. These systems are typically set on a scheduled system but, should be physically checked regularly to make sure they are working correctly.
Keeping your yard looking beautiful – while staying on budget – is a win this summer. Follow these helpful tips to make sure you can check that one off of your list.