When summer hits, many of us in the community become obsessed with watering our lawns and plants to keep them lush. Believe it or not, outdoor watering accounts for about half of the water Californians use at home. Here in Apple Valley, we must remember that we live in a desert and need to be especially mindful of our water use and of our conservation efforts.
In my first column, I introduced Liberty Utilities Apple Valley’s summer conservation campaign: “Live. Play. Conserve.” Today, building off that theme, I’d like to remind readers that you can still maintain a beautiful landscape while using water efficiently.
Here are some simple tips to maximize irrigation productivity in your yard:
Water between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. In the heat of the day, water will touch the surface and then quickly evaporate. Early morning is better than dusk for watering since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Watering early in the day is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests.
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering.
Set your lawnmower blade a bit higher than usual, or at least three inches high. Longer blades of grass shade each other, reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation. Longer blades also mean longer roots, so the grass can reach water deeper in the ground.
Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil.
Don't use a hose that's been coiled up, filled with water and sitting in the sun all day. That coiled hose can act like a water heater, and hot water can stress sensitive plants.
Together, we can make our yards water-efficient. It’s better for our community, our environment and our wallets!
Norma Armenta is a Water Conservation Coordinator for Liberty Utilities in Apple Valley.