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<br />~ <br /> <br />OUTDOOR CONSERVATION TIPS <br /> <br /> 2. <br />; 3. <br /> 4. <br /> 5. <br /> 6. <br /> 7. <br /> <br />Lawn watering <br /> <br />1. Use sprinklers that throw large drops since they lose less water from wind and <br />evaporation than those with fine, high sprays. <br /> <br />Let the grass and the weather be the guide to watering, not the number of days. <br />You don't need to water the lawn as often in cool weather and on cloudy days. <br /> <br />Be sure sprinklers and hoses are adjusted to water just what is growing. Irrigating <br />sidewalks and driveways will not make them grow. <br /> <br />Irrigate slowly, deeply and infrequently to encourage a deeper root system. <br /> <br />Use an alarm clock or stove timer to remind you to shut off or move sprinklers. <br /> <br />When irrigating clay soils, apply water over short periods separated by soaking in <br />periods of at least twice the length of the watering time. <br /> <br />Water during cool parts of the day to allow more water to soak in and less to evap- <br />orate. <br /> <br />Mowing <br /> <br />1. Cut grass blades to 3" or longer. Blades will shade each other to reduce evapora- <br />tion and develop a deeper root system. <br /> <br />2. Leave grass clippings on the lawn. Clippings provide essential nutrients to the <br />lawn and reduce evaporation <br /> <br />Lawn care <br /> <br />1. Aerating compacted lawns or those on heavy clay will improve water penetration <br />and root growth. <br /> <br />2. Fertilize the lawn 2-3 times per year, but don't overfertilize. Use a lawn fertilizer <br />that contains phosphorous and potassium. <br /> <br />Plantings <br /> <br />1. Place a good layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation <br />of moisture and discourage weed growth. <br /> <br />2. Use ground cover type vegetation with low water requirements, especially on <br />steep slopes. <br /> <br />3. Utilize drought-resistant trees and plants. Many beautiful varieties are available <br />which require far less water to thrive. <br /> <br />4. Dig basins and troughs around trees and bushes to concentrate the water and re- <br />duce runoff. <br /> <br />5. When watering trees, be sure to water them slowly and deeply to encourage deep <br />root growth. <br /> <br />27 <br />