Today, many people are rethinking how they water their lawn to help cut down on water usage. If you’re looking for ways to use less water in your garden in San Jose, then read on to learn about common ways that water gets wasted in the backyard.
Planting Non-Native Species
One of the most common reasons why people end up using significant amounts of water to keep their lawn looking good is growing grass or plants that aren’t found naturally in their area. Native plants have acclimated to grow with little to no irrigation where you live. If you want to use less water, switch to a grass species that is drought tolerant and switch out your non-native plants with those that are from your region.
Failing to Aerate
Perforating your yard’s soil is an important part of keeping your lawn healthy. By helping the dirt breathe in this way, water and other nutrients can make their way down to the roots more easily. Twice per year, aerate your lawn to help get the most out of your irrigation.
Mowing Too Frequently
While consistent mowing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn, cutting it more often than is needed can increase the amount of water that your grass requires. Longer blades help shade the soil, keeping the roots cooler and preventing moisture from evaporating. Adjust your move blades to a height of 2 to 3 inches and never take off more than a third of your lawn’s length in a single mowing.
Letting Water Escape
While cutting back on irrigation after a storm is an excellent way to reduce your backyard water usage, there is more that you can do to take advantage of rainfall. By setting up a rain barrel to collect the water that drains from your roof, you can make a big impact on your monthly water bills. To take this concept a step further, consider setting up a greywater irrigation system to reuse the water that drains from your home’s sinks, dishwashers, tubs, and showers.
