Conserve water, keep plants green

Did you ever think that you could be saving water by using an automatic irrigation system? Probably not, but if your irrigation system is correctly designed, installed and maintained, it will help minimize the amount of water needed to keep your lawn and landscape looking healthy. The experts at Rain Bird Corporation, a leader in the irrigation industry, provide some practical "do’s" and "don’ts" to help you have a lush, green landscape while using less water.

•DON’T cause a flood: The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often; much of the water runs off and is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long continuous session, try splitting the watering time into shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. This will allow water to soak in, while minimizing runoff.

•DO watch the clock: Water between 5 and 10 a.m., when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Midday watering tends to be less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during the day. Watering in the evening isn’t a good idea either because leaves can remain wet overnight, an open invitation for fungus to grow. By watering in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.

•DO routine inspections: Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

•DON’T forget to be rain smart: Adjust your irrigation system as the seasons and weather change. Or better yet, install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and enable you to take advantage of nature’s free watering service.

For more watering tips and information on The Intelligent Use of Water™ visit www.rainbird.com.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.