Did you ever think that you could be saving water and saving money by using an irrigation system? Probably not, but if your lawn sprinkler system is correctly designed and maintained it will help minimize the amount of water you use, reduce your water bill and still keep your lawn and landscape looking healthy. Here are some practical tips to help you have a lush, green landscape... Water conservation & smart irrigation is the key to the future of water efficient sprinkler systems.

Don't drown

The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often -- much of the water is never absorbed.

Watch the clock

Water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. -- when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Mid-day 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.

Water only things that grow

If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering over sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

Do routine inspections

Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a problem may not be discovered until it is too late. Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a broken line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

KENTUCY BLUEGRASS

Kentucky bluegrass lawns,* in general, require 1 inch per week in April and May, 1-1/4 inch per week in June, 1-1/2 in July and August, 1 -1/4 in September and 1 inch in October.

SLOPING YARD

When watering on a slope, use "delayed starts." Run your sprinklers until you notice runoff, then stop. Wait 3 hours, then resume. Aerate to increase infiltration.

CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Adjust heads as landscape plants grow larger and begin to block the spray pattern. New installations of decks and other items can also decrease irrigation efficiency.

HEAT WAVE

On days when temperatures are above 90 degrees run your sprinklers 5 to 10 minutes per zone in the afternoon to cool the turf and reduce stress. This is called "spritzing," and it reduces the symptoms of summer patch disease.

Change your watering schedule seasonally

Your yard requires less supplemental irrigation during cool and wet seasons. Visit your controller box at least four times a summer to adjust your schedule.