03/03/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Water Supply Conservation Tips and Practices Page 2 of 5 Landscapes designed using native plants and minimizing turf can significantly reduce outdoor water use. Native plants are hardy enough to survive winter cold and summer heat. Once established, native landscapes require little irrigation or fertilization. There are a variety of conceptual approaches to landscape design and management. All the approaches share the goal of reducing water demand, maintenance costs, and use of lawn or garden chemicals. They also attract native wildlife and can help to improve water quality and lower runoff. Water -wise, XeriscapeTM, native landscaping, rain gardens are common terms used to describe these conceptual landscape approaches. Landscaping Resources • Rain Gardens: A How to Manual for Homeowners, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources • Low Input Lawn Care, University of Minnesota, Extension • Using Native Plants, University of Minnesota, Extension • Garden Designs, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Garden Types, Maplewood, MN • Burnsville Rainwater Garden System, Barr Engineering • Native Plant Nurseries and Plant Consultants for Central Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources • Landscapes, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • Minnesota Case Study Examples of BMP Design, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • Plants for Stormwater Design, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • Landscaping with Native Plants, Wild Ones Lawn and Garden Watering Many conventional lawns in Minnesota can stay healthy if they receive 1 - 1.5 inches of water a week, either through precipitation or irrigation. Deep infrequent, watering is generally better for lawns and plants than frequent lighter irrigations, which can cause shallow roots. Watering Tips • Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. • Never water faster than the ground can absorb the water. • Know your soil and its watering needs. • Next time you water, place 3 to 5 empty tuna or cat food cans at varied distances from the sprinkler. The time it takes to fill the cans is about how long you should water your lawn (This should take only 15 to 30 minutes). • Adjust automatic irrigation schedules at least monthly to ensure water use efficiency. • Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water. • Arrange plants in your garden by light and watering needs. • Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs (drip systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, encouraging strong root systems; these systems will also cut down evaporation). • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. • Collect rain water in a rain barrel for watering your lawn and plants. • Cut grass no shorter than 2 inches to reduce evaporation and promote deep root growth. • Use shut -off nozzles on hoses. • Aerate your lawn as needed. • When hiring an irrigator, look for a certified landscape irrigation professional. http : / /www.metrocouncil.org/ environment/ WaterSupply/ conservationtoolbox _residential.h... 1/14/2008