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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable lawn and landscape irrigation information

greenlawn stormdrain nearbyWater-Saving Methods

Large amounts of water applied to lawns and gardens are never absorbed by the plants and put to use.

  • Some water is lost to runoff by being applied too rapidly
  • Some water evaporates from exposed, unmulched soil;
  • The greatest waste of water is from applying too much too often.

In addition to overwatering the plant, excess irrigation can leach nutrients deep into the soil away from plant roots, increasing the chances of polluting groundwater. Similarly, runoff caused by excess irrigation can carry polluting fertilizers and pesticides to streams and lakes. The waste or pollution of high quality water through inefficient irrigation practices can be eliminated through proper watering techniques.

>>Lawn & Turf Methods

>>Tree and Shrub Methods

Water-Saving Tips
Water-Saving Methods in the Garden
  • Use a high-pressure, low-volume, pistol-grip hose nozzle.
  • Plant hardy varieties of grass, trees, shrubs and flowers that require minimum water. Native plants are best suited to our climate.
  • Remove weeds and other moisture competitors.
  • Sprinkle in calm, cool weather.
  • Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation losses. An occasional, ample watering is more effective than numerous, superficial waterings.
  • Use trickle or drip irrigation systems for watering trees, shrubs, hilly areas or widely spaced plants.
  • Before using “gray” water from tubs, basins and laundry for lawns, call your health department or district for local restrictions. This use is not allowed in many areas.
  • Collect runoff from roofs and paved areas for garden use.
  • Use surface mulch around trees, shrubs, flowers and garden crops to reduce evaporation loss.
  • Replace some lawn with gravel, stone, bark or paving.
  • Common sense and an active concern to save water reduce consumption markedly without sacrificing cleanliness or interfering with your lifestyle.

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