Five ways to save water outdoors

As it starts to warm up outside, it’s time to start thinking about lawn care. After all, yards can be water guzzlers. In many areas, 50 percent or more of the daily water used goes to lawns and landscaping!

Reducing usage inside your home is great, but reducing the water used outside can yield even more significant benefits. Here are five tips for going green outside:

1. Less is more! Water your lawn less frequently for longer periods of time to make sure the water reaches the roots. Avoid watering during the hottest times in the day.
2. Adjust your sprinklers so they don’t spray sidewalks, driveways or roads. Use water only on areas of your yard that need it.
3. Direct down spouts and other runoff toward areas of your lawn that need water, such as trees and shrubs.
4. Check for leaks in your sprinkling system and faucets. Even a small drip can lead to big water losses.
5. Xeriscape! Not only does it save water, it is less maintenance and there is no need for fertilizers. Xeriscaping can reduce your outdoor water usage by 50-75 percent or more.