1. Water-Wise Steps to Follow but it can be trained to grow deeper roots When should I mow? people apply excess nutrients, which simply
Many Texas water utilities charge higher and be more drought tolerant by adjusting Cut grass only when it is dry, keep mowing run-off and pollute local waterways. Leaving
rates during the summer or increase rates it slowly to successively longer periods blades sharp, and don’t cut more than 1/3 of grass clippings on the lawn reduces the need
in increments based on use. Reducing your between waterings. its length at one time. for chemical fertilizer.
outdoor water use by following these steps How long should I water? How else can I improve my landscape?
What should I do with my grass
can produce substantial savings in your water To determine how long you should run clippings? Improve the soil! If your original soil is
bill. your sprinkler, place 3-5 rocky, sandy, shallow, heavy clay, or has little
Don’t bag your clippings! Mulched grass
1. Determine how much water empty straight-edged cans at organic matter, it can be improved by adding
clippings break down fast and do not cause
your landscape needs to stay different distances away from several inches of high quality loam soil and
thatch buildup in turf. They also help hold
healthy. the sprinkler. Run the sprinkler 2-3 inches of organic matter such as mulch
in moisture, reduce evaporation, moderate
2. Use water-wise land- for 15 minutes and measure temperature and give nutrients back to the or compost. High quality soil helps reduce
scape maintenance the amount of water collected in lawn. irrigation needs by retaining water better
practices such as proper each can. Calculate an average when added to sandy soil and by absorbing
mowing, mulching, and water depth and determine How can I conserve soil moisture? water better when added to clay soil. Unless
moderate fertilizing. how long it will take to apply Use lots of mulch, it will make your the soil is damaged or depleted, native and
3. Minimize water evapora- 1” of water, which will keep shrubs and young trees more tolerant to well-adapted plants may not require imported
tion by using the most most Texas grasses healthy scorching Texas heat! One to three inches soil. Shape the soil to protect against
efficient equipment in the summer. Don’t forget of mulch retains moisture longer than bare erosion and use conditioners to promote
for each situation and to account for any rainfall since ground, reduces run-off, helps moderate water penetration and retention. Shape
keep that equipment the last irrigation. Some cities have daily soil temperatures, aids in root development, the soil into earthen basins around shrubs.
well-maintained. updated information online or by phone about reduces erosion, slows weed growth, Aerate the lawn once a year. Weed the lawn
how much water should be applied based prevents soil compaction, and makes your and garden as needed. Weeds rob plants of
4. Design a water-wise land-
scape by planting drought- on local weather conditions. To avoid runoff landscape beautiful. Rock and gravel in large, valuable water.
Yaupon on sloping areas, place sprinklers near the hot sunny areas radiate heat from the sun,
tolerant grass and choosing plants How else can I minimize water
Holly top of the slope and apply water slowly and increasing temperatures and water losses
that are native or well adapted to the use?
intermittently (“cycle-soak”). from plants and soil. Place mulch directly
climate conditions in your area. Cover pools and spas when
on the soil or on weed barrier fabric that
Water-Wise Landscape Watering What should I water? can “breathe.” Avoid using sheet plastic not in use to lessen evaporation.
Only plants! Don’t water the sidewalks in planting areas. Top dressing In the summer in Texas a 30 ft
When should I water? and driveways. Use a broom to sweep debris by 15 ft pool can easily lose 1.5
(applying a thin layer of compost to
Pay attention to signs of stressed grass, away. This can save 30 gallons per 5 minutes the surface of the lawn) functions inches of water a week or 1,800
such as a dull green color, footprints that of work! like mulch for your lawn. It gallons of water a month! Backwash
remain visible after walking on the lawn, or increases organic content, and your filter only as necessary. Backwashing
curled leaf blades. Water only after the top How can I use rainwater?
protects shallow grass roots. wastes as much as 150 gallons of water, so
2” of the soil has dried out. Check moisture Harvest it! Funnel the water from your consider using cartridge type filters, which
by feel with a soil probe or a screwdriver. gutters into a rainbarrel and save it for a What should I know about do not require backwashing. Decorative
sunny day! Rainwater is free, and is better fertilizing? fountains should be turned off on windy days
What time of day should I water? for your plants because it doesn’t contain Contact your County Agricultural and during drought.
Evaporation loss can be 60% higher during hard minerals. Also the pH of rainwater may Extension Service or local water-wise
the day, so water during the early morning be better for plants. nursery professional for a soil kit and Texas Water-Wise Irrigation Equipment
or in the evening. Do not water on windy recommendations for the ratio of nitrogen, Redbud
Water-Wise Landscape Maintenance What is the most efficient irrigation
days. Watering at night does not contribute phosphorus, and potassium that should be system?
to brown patch fungus, which is caused by How long should my grass be? in your fertilizer. The right ratio of nutrients
overwatering and high fertility. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method
Don’t scalp your lawn! Taller grass holds helps grass withstand stress, uses less of watering for non-turf areas such as
How often should I water? moisture better, encourages deeper root water, and reduces excess nutrient runoff. bedded plants, trees or shrubs. Drip systems
Proper watering once every five days or growth, and makes it less susceptible to Spring and fall applications of fertilizer help minimize or eliminate evaporation, impede
longer will help grass and shrubs develop browning! Keep grass 3 inches tall during to develop good root systems, which keep weed growth, and may help prevent diseases
deep roots (it is especially important to start the summer (however, more than 3” of your grass more drought-tolerant. Too much caused by under or overwatering. Tubing
this during the spring when root growth is at height stresses the grass). fertilizing causes excessive growth, creating should be inspected regularly for damage,
its peak). Over-watered turf will have a short more demand for water, more thatch, and the leaks, and debris that may have clogged
root system and will not be drought tolerant, need for increased mowing frequency. Many the lines. Soaker hoses are an easy and
2. inexpensive alternative to drip irrigation. What maintenance is required for my of another (for instance most shrubs don’t
Soaker hoses perform best when the water automatic sprinkler system? need as much water as most grass). If you
flow rate is low. Soil moisture should be
monitored to determine when enough water
Check sprinkler heads regularly to remove
dirt or debris that may be clogging the nozzle
have to have a few thirsty plants, group them
together and place them near your house. BEING WATER-WISE
has been applied. Native plants are more resistant to local plant
OUTDOORS
and to make sure they are working at the
proper pressure and not leaking. When spray diseases and pests. Contact your County
What type of sprinkler should I use?
heads are inactive they should be as close Extension Agent, your water-wise landscape
Use a low-angle sprinkler that produces professional, or your city or water supplier
large drops of water close to the ground, to the ground as possible to avoid damaging
them with lawn mowers. Repair or replace for recommendations of water-wise plants
rather than an oscillating sprinkler or a that are adapted to your area of the state and
sprinkler that produces a mist or fine spray. broken heads, valves, seals, and pipes. Make
sure the last group of sprinklers shuts off additional information on efficient landscape
This will help to minimize evaporation. water use.
Sprinklers with adjustable spray patterns are completely when the next group of sprinklers
useful for irregularly shaped areas (or just use turns on. If not, check the valves. Once a
the hose). Use a timer so you don’t forget to month run the sprinklers for a short time on
turn it off. each cycle while you are at home to make
sure they are working properly.
How should I manage my automatic
sprinkler system for water efficiency? What features should I look for in an
automatic sprinkler system?
Automatic sprinkler systems can provide
an efficient method of irrigating lawns The controller of new sprinkler systems
because controllers turn the system off should have a multiple scheduling option, a
after a predetermined amount of time, so rain-shutoff device, a water budget feature
a measured amount of water is applied. (which allows percentage adjustments
without having to reprogram), and test Lantana
However, don’t just set it in the spring
and leave it all season! Adjust run time functions.
and frequency of the system monthly to
respond to changing rainfall and temperature
Design a Water-Wise Landscape Mountain WHY CONSERVE WATER?
conditions. Install rain shut off devices or What is the best way to reduce Laurel According to the Texas State Water
moisture sensors to avoid unnecessary watering? Plan, Texas’ existing water sources will
watering. Adjust sprinklers to eliminate Plant water-wise, well-adapted and/or meet only 75% of the projected water
overspray on pavement. Don’t assume that native shrubs and trees! Plant bermuda, This brochure was developed by the Texas Water
demand by 2050. We must use our
all plants have the same watering buffalo grass, or zoysia, which are all Development Board in cooperation with the City of
drought-tolerant. Choose plants that are Austin Water Conservation. Some reference material precious water resources more effi-
requirements. Reduce the run
time of sprinklers on shrubs, drought-tolerant (or at least have low was adapted from “Handbook of Water Use and ciently or we will have more frequent
which may not need as much water requirements), heat- Conservation” by Amy Vickers (WaterPlow Press, 2001). and more severe water shortages, es-
water as grass. Shady areas tolerant, and are tolerant Plant illustrations by Nancy McGowan.
pecially during droughts and hot Texas
may not need as much water of the minimum winter
summers when water use is 1.5 to 3
either. To minimize runoff, temperatures in your local
area. Instead of grass, put times greater than winter use. In the
adjust the precipitation rate
of the sprinkler head so drought-tolerant ground summer, outdoor water use can ac-
the soil has enough time cover in areas that are count for 50 to 80 percent of home
to absorb the water. Trim narrow, small, sloping, odd- water use! Much of this water is wasted
overgrown shrubs or other shaped, or close to pavement. CONSERVATION through inefficient landscape watering
objects obstructing the spray Limit turf areas to those needed for
practical uses. Many cities provide
Texas Water practices. Using water more efficiently
pattern. Some municipalities Development Board
offer free irrigation audits. lists of water-wise plants and some P.O. Box 13231
will also save energy and money, and
Otherwise, contact a professional offer landscaping rebates. Group Capitol Station protect the quality of life of future gen-
landscape irrigation specialist for a your plants into irrigation zones Austin, Texas erations. We must be responsible and
maintenance check. according to their water requirements 78711-3231
(hydrozoning) so you don’t overwater www.twdb.state.tx.us conserve water now.
Printed On Recycled Paper
Bur Oak one type of plant to meet the needs
