Tips for Water-Wise Lawn Care

• Many lawns are over-watered. Over watering floods the air pores in the soil, depriving the roots of oxygen and leading to root rot. Over-watering also leads to shallow-rooted plants and the spread of fungal growth on the grass. Horticulturists agree that lawns should get no more than 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. An empty can placed on your lawn can be used to measure accumulation.

• Follow the Acton Water District’s watering restrictions. This will reduce peak demand on Acton’s wells and help to prevent a total watering ban.

• Do NOT water in the middle of the day – more than fifty percent of irrigation water can be lost to evaporation in the heat of the day. Water your lawn in the early morning when more of the water will be absorbed by the roots, and the grass blades will dry more quickly.

• When re-seeding or establishing lawns, use grass seed that is drought and disease-resistant. It may cost a bit more, but will save you lots of time and money in the long run. Check with your local nursery for appropriate mixes.

• Minimize the size of your lawn – there are numerous attractive and water conserving landscaping alternatives. Call the Acton Water District at 263-9107 for more information.

• Mow your lawn no shorter than 2 inches to promote its vigor and to discourage weeds.

• Leave the cuttings on the lawn, they help retain moisture and provide valuable nutrients.

• Remember that lawns that go brown in the heat of July and August are not dead – they are just dormant and will green up as soon as moister weather returns.