WHEN TO WATER - Reduce use and grow a healthy lawn by watering only when needed. Water when:

• grass turns a dull, bluish-gray color
• footprints remain
• it’s hard to push a screwdriver into the soil

CONTROLLER ADJUSTMENTS

• If you’ve installed a new landscape in the last 1-2 years, adjust the irrigation schedule to water less days. The goal is to increase drought-tolerance by establishing a healthy, broad and deep root system.
• Activate the seasonal adjustment feature. This will help you water appropriately based on the month.
• Clay soil, common in the Fort Collins area, doesn’t absorb water quickly and often results in runoff. To water more effectively, apply ¼-inch of water for each zone. Wait an hour and water another ¼-inch. This applies a total of ½-inch of water and allows each application to completely soak in to the roots.

SEEK A LEAK - Your water meter can help you check for leaks. When water is not being used, the small wheel or triangle on the face of the meter should be still. If it’s moving, it means water is still flowing somewhere on your property and you might have a leak.

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Also view: How to Select Plants for Your Landscape