WATER WISELY!
SUMMER TIPS FOR
OUTDOOR WATERING & WATER CONSERVATION
Lawns

Cool season lawn grasses need about 1 to
1.5 inches of water per week to maintain
green color and active growth. In general,
water as infrequently as possible. Water
thoroughly so moisture gets down to the
depth of the roots. Exceptions to this
general rule would be for newly seeded
lawns, newly sodded lawns, or when
summer patch disease is a problem.
Otherwise, avoid frequent waterings,
which promote shallower root systems
and weeds.

Watch for excess runoff and modify watering times accordingly. The goal of watering is to
provide water into the soil system where it can restore microbial populations and help sustain
plant growth.

Avoid excessive watering which can cause lawn diseases and wastes water.

If possible, water in the morning to minimize evaporation.

If you wish, do not water at all and let the lawn become dormant. The brown grass does not
signal a problem, but rather part of a natural cycle. The green lawn will return in the fall when
the weather is cooler and wetter. However, lawn which are watered on an infrequent basis or
heavily fertilized, may be lost. If you choose to water, do so, on a regular basis following the
above guidelines.

Minimize or eliminate lawn fertilizer during summer months. Fertilizer promotes new growth
which will need additional watering and is often not needed by the grass plant.

Maintain a healthy lawn by cutting the grass high. The recommended height after cutting is 2
1/2 – 3 inches. Tall grass has deeper roots and helps the soil system hold moisture.

Select and install a good quality underground irrigation system. Paying more for a system
initially will save money in the long run.

If you currently have an underground irrigation system, consider an audit that will detect leaks
and system inefficiencies. An audit can save 50% or more of your water bill by improving the
functioning of the system. Check the plan for the system.

Install moisture sensors on the irrigation system so that you do not overwater or water during or
just following a rain.

Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only – not the street and sidewalk.
 Improve the water-holding capacity of the soil by using compost as a top-dressing.
Trees and Shrubs

Water trees and shrubs, which have deep
root systems, longer and less frequently
than shallow-rooted plants which require
smaller amounts of water more often.
For plant-specific advice, check with
your county MSU Extension office.

Apply additional water if trees are
nearby. Tree roots underneath the lawn
compete for water. The best way to
water trees is to set up a slow watering
that saturates the soil around the plant
roots and as deep into the ground as
possible.

Use natural mulches around shrubs and
in gardens to reduce evaporation and
weed growth.
Flower Gardens

Consider replacing some turf areas with water-efficient and drought-tolerant plants and
groundcovers. Talk with gardeners and garden centers to identify choices – before you make
your purchases.

Prepare the soil with organic matter, such as compost. An excellent mix for planting is 50%
compost and 50% top soil. The organic matter (such as compost or peat) helps conserve the
water under the ground.

Group plants together with similar watering needs. Then mulch the plants to conserve water.

Place plants that require watering close
to the house in beds designed to capture
water runoff from downspouts and
driveways.

Consider native summer wildflowers
with deep roots. After establishment,
native prairie plants often do not require
additional watering.

Factors such as soil texture, sun/shade
conditions, and types of plants affect the
water needs of the garden. During dry
weather, set up a consistent watering
schedule, such as every other day or
twice a week. If plant roots are deep,
water deeply … but do not over-water.