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Water-Wise Lawn Care#
Half of a home's annual water usage typically goes toward lawn watering. Use less water and maintain a healthy, attractive lawn with the following tips.
Watering Tips#
- Only water when grass turns a dull, bluish-gray color and footprints remain. After a rain, skip watering until the grass dries.
- Water no more than two days a week (three days during extreme heat and dry periods) so the grass develops deeper roots and uses moisture deep in the ground.
- Water between midnight - 6 a.m. when wind and evaporation are minimal.
- Bluegrass lawns generally require 1" - 1.5" of water per week, depending on the weather. Most shrubs and trees require less water than bluegrass, so water them separately. See the recommended watering times on the chart below.
- In the fall, winterize early to save water and protect equipment from damage due to freezing.
- Learn more about tips for hand-watering lawns and landscaping.
Recommended Watering Times#
![](https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/crop_watering-chart-image.gif?1520371822)
Mowing Tips#
- Mow early – mowing when it's cool reduces stress on grass.
- Mow sharp – dull mower blades tear the grass causing it to stress.
- Mow higher – mow bluegrass 2 1/2 " - 3" tall to promote deeper rooting and to shade the plant's root zone. Never cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
- Leave clippings – grass clipping add nutrients to the soil. A mulching mower chops grass into smaller pieces.
Lawn Care Ideas and Resources#
- Aerate your lawn at least once a year.
- Use fertilizer sparingly, since it encourages grass growth that requires more water and mowing. Lightly fertilize bluegrass in the spring and fall. Learn more about Fertilizing your Lawn and Garden.
- Replace some bluegrass with planting beds or water-wise grasses. Many species provide seasonal colors and textures to ensure year-round beauty. Learn more about the Basics of Drip Irrigation.
- Read about water-wise landscaping: Xeriscape Information, Replacing Lawn with Xeriscape, and Turfgrass Species Selection.
- Looking for a contractor? Consider our Water-Wise Professionals.
Did You Know?
Watering every third day helps the grass develop deeper roots and use moisture deep in the ground.
Visual indicators of algal blooms in waterbodies often include: surface scum, foam, floating algae mats, off-colors and/or the presence of dead fish.
We clean and maintain the City's wastewater system year-round to prevent sewer backups. You can help by only flushing the three Ps.