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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Beat the Drought, Go the Texas SmartScape® Route!
Save water, money, and the environment with a Texas SmartScape®
[City name, TX] (date) – The state of Texas is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts on record
and with another La Niña forecast for the region, the chances for rain remain low. Water sources have been
significantly impacted and with little relief in sight, are likely to continue their decline. In an effort to conserve
the dwindling water supplies, more water restrictions – and earlier in the year, are being placed on residents.
With more than half the typical household’s outdoor water use going to watering the lawn and garden, the
implications for lawns and gardens could be serious. However, by converting to a landscape that uses native
plants and careful design, water use can be lowered by 20 to 50 percent. Water is not the only thing being
saved, either – converting a traditional landscape to a Texas SmartScape® saves money too. For more
information on saving water and money come to [add info on your city’s SmartScape Month event(s)] or
by visit www.txsmartscape.com.
Texas SmartScape® is an award winning gardening program educating homeowners about the ecological
and economic benefits of using landscaping plants, trees, shrubs, and grasses native to this region and our
local climate. Homeowners can still have a thriving lawn or garden in the middle of summer that requires
less water, less money, but still looks beautiful! By using native plants, water is conserved and the amount
of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are reduced; all of which saves the homeowner money and helps
keep chemicals out of our streams, rivers, and lakes.
Whether in the market for a major landscape overhaul or just a few quick fixes to save water this summer,
www.txsmartscape.com has the tools for success. The interactive database allows you to search
SmartScape approved plants that are the right fit for any yard, while the landscape design tool walks pro and
first-timer alike through the entire landscaping process. There are plenty of tips and ideas to help maintain
and care for a SmartScape yard. With a drought that doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon, quit
wasting water by making your yard a SmartScape today!
Simple ways to save water:
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Water less frequently. Most lawns only need watering once every 5 to 7 days in the growing
season and every 15 to 20 days in the winter. If it rains, you may be able to water even less often.
Water early or late. Water your yard only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to avoid loss from
evaporation
Reduce turf grass. Lawns typically require a large amount of supplemental water and generally
more intensive maintenance than other vegetation.
Install drip irrigation in flower beds and at the roots of shrubs. Drip irrigation delivers almost 95
percent of the water to plants.
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