It’s no secret that the US is facing a serious drought. Nearly 57 percent of the country fell into moderate to extreme drought in July. With that in mind, managing your home water use is more important than ever – especially with more than 30 percent of household water being used outside.
Luckily, the fall is a great time to reassess your lawn and garden to make sure you’re making the most of the water you use in your yard. As the weather cools and plants get ready for winter temperatures, they’ll require less water and a little less maintenance. However, it’s important to know how water will affect your lawn during the fall and to conserve water effectively. Here are a few ways to ensure you do your part to conserve water without sacrificing the health of your lawn.
Reset Your Sprinklers
Over-irrigation is common in the early fall, especially September. The water needs of plants and grass decrease significantly in the fall, so now is the perfect time to reset your sprinklers from their summer schedule. Excessive watering can lead to plant disease by flooding the root system and choking off their oxygen. Try to water before 10 a.m., when temperatures and wind are low, and avoid watering in the evening as the season progresses: cold, damp plants can easily attract fungus.
Prioritize Your Watering Needs
Generally speaking, most lawns will require about an inch of water each week. With the cooler temperatures of fall and increased storms, many homeowners will be able to drastically reduce their watering. However, it’s a good idea to assess your lawn and garden watering needs and determine which plants, if any, need extra attention. Newly planted or young trees and grass will need the most attention, since they are still developing a root system, but your lawn can be surprisingly hardy without much water. It can be tough to watch your lawn turn brown, but it will cope well without the extra irrigation and bounce back quickly in springtime.
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