An acre of lawn needs 1.3 million gallons of water a year to stay green and healthy. Here are some tips on how be water-wise without sacrificing your grass.

Energy Facts:

• During the summer, the majority of household water is used for keeping yards green.
• Even in places where water doesn’t have to be moved long distances from source to tap, a significant amount of energy is required to treat and process it before it enters the water main.s

Simple Ways to Save Energy:

• Use a push mower instead of a power motor to save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 pounds a year.
• Set your mower blades so they cut grass about 2-3 inches tall. Mowing it shorter dries out the soil faster and increases water use.
• Let grass clippings turn into mulch. During dry periods, cut the grass high and leave the clippings on the lawn to keep it from drying out – thus reducing the amount of water your lawn needs.
• Most lawns need about 1 inch of water a week once they’re established. Apply it slowly so the water doesn’t run off.
• Here’s how to tell how long it takes to apply an inch of water: Set two or three cans out on the lawn and turn on the sprinkler. Check every few minutes to see how long it takes to land an inch in each can. Average the times for the cans, and that’s the length of time to water.

Watering Smart

• Water early in the morning or very late afternoon to cut down on how much water evaporates before it reaches the roots.
• Try drip irrigation for shrubs and garden plants. It’s a way of putting the water in small, steady amounts right to the soil around the plant you’re watering.
• When you re-landscape, group together the plants that need similar amounts of water. That way, you can avoid overwatering one just to irrigate another.

Going Native

• Consider plants for your yard that are already adjusted to local conditions and don’t require extra water or attention. These are usually plants that are native to your area.
• Think about shrubs, succulents, and trees as a substitute for some of your lawn. Nothing requires more water than a lawn.
• When you’re ready to reseed or resod your lawn, look for grasses that require less water to thrive.
• Check your local government website for information about water conserving plants. These plants are also called “drought tolerant,” and the practice of landscaping to conserve water is called “xeriscaping.”

Excerpted from 30 Simple Energy Things You Can Do To Save The Earth, by The EarthWorks Group.