It’s April and many of us are thinking about spring cleaning—both inside and out. Your choices outside make a big impact on how your yard looks, how much maintenance it is, and how much it will cost you this year and for years to come. Though we make money by selling you water, we want to assure you are using water wisely and saving yourself work. Below are three areas where you can help make your yard look great, make your life easier, and conserve water.

Lawn Maintenance

Lawns are the biggest outside user of water, requiring about one inch of water a week—whether naturally or through irrigation. To effectively apply water, irrigation systems should be set for long, deep soakings no more than two to three times per week. Zoning sprinkler systems helps to assure that the correct amount of water is applied to all parts of the lawn. This prevents both swamps and hard pan areas. Soil aerification is important. Though the best time of year is fall, if a lawn hasn’t been aerified lately, don’t wait until September. Great info on aerification and thatch control can be found at this University of Minnesota extension office site. Keeping grass at least 3” long helps to shade soil and roots, reducing moisture loss. Planting shade trees also reduces watering requirements. Proper fertilization is key for green lawns and root development. Our website has a list of places where you can take soil to determine fertilization needs.

Plantings

Flowers and shrubs can help make a home look inviting. Planting native varieties helps to reduce watering requirements because they have adapted to the natural precipitation of the area. Grouping plantings by watering needs helps to assure plants thrive and reduces overall watering. Assuring that sufficient organic-rich soil is placed in the over-dig when planting is vital to maintaining the flowers and shrubs. Finally, placing flowers and shrubs in appropriate light settings cannot be ignored. Homeowners have the tendency to overwater when a plant is not doing well, and the problem could be inappropriate light.

Mulch

Mulch does many things for landscaping. Most people mulch because it looks good and keeps down weeds. Mulch also provides organic material for the soil and reduces evaporation. Two to three inches of mulch can significantly reduce watering requirements. Remember, when placing mulch around foundations to keep positive drainage away from the house. Allowing water to pond near or drain toward the house could lead to damp basements and/or sewer surcharges.

Avon Lake Municipal Utilities wants customers to most effectively use their money, while maintaining their yards. We encourage you to speak with a landscaper or a garden center about yard maintenance. Customers can call us with any questions or comments during office hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) at 440-933-6226 or email us at contact@avonlakewater.org. For after-hours emergencies, call 440-933-3229. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website to keep up to date on important aspects of your water and wastewater service.

Our goal: Healthy customers, healthy environment through sustainable water management.