Water Saving Tips Lawns & Gardens - DEP

Environmental Protection


Water Conservation

Water Saving Tips—Lawns and Gardens


Use these tips to save water on your lawn. For tips to save water in more places, visit Water Saving Tips.

Remove no more than 1/3 the height of the grass for any one mowing. For most cool-season lawns, a height of between 3" to 3 1/2" is considered adequate. Keeping the grass slightly higher will increase shade on the soil, encourage deeper rooting and reduce evaporation.

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deeper rooting, increase soil moisture reservoir and to reduce the number of weeds. 1" to 1 1/2" per week is sufficient to adequately maintain the grass. Letting the grass be “thirsty” encourages deeper rooting. To avoid over-watering, monitor precipitation amounts from rain events to adjust accordingly. Water only when necessary. If footprints remain in the grass for an extended period after walking on grass—watering is required.

Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation (reduces water usage up to 40%).

If possible, use soak irrigation lines instead of pop-up heads. These can reduce water consumption up to 60%.

If using pop-up heads, align heads to avoid paved surfaces or other non-targeted objects. Regularly check for leaks and install a rain gauge to prevent activation of system during and just after a rainfall.

Fertilize only two times a year—mid April and late August. Always use a slow release organic fertilizer. Excess fertilizer applications increase water consumption.

Water only every 5–7 days (if no rain). A soaking rain can extend that period up to 10–4 days. Most people apply two times the amount of water needed.

Tall Fescues use approximately half the amount of water per week as Bluegrasses. Tall Fescue uses about 10 gallons per square foot.

Mow in the morning or early evening and not midday—to avoid burning grass.

Cool-season grasses stop growing at temperatures above 90° F. Fertilizer applications will NOT re-start growth. Cooler temperatures in late summer and early fall will promote growth.

If possible, in larger areas, plant native warm-season grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs—once established (usually two years) they do not need supplemental watering or fertilizer applications.

Do not water lawn on windy days (increases transpiration and evaporation rates).

Seven Steps to a Water-Saving Garden

Xeriscaping, from the Greek word ‘xeros’ for ‘dry,’ is the creation of a garden that uses less water than traditional landscaping. You can do this by choosing plants that are drought-tolerant and by using horticultural techniques that use water most efficiently. Taking these steps will reduce your outdoor water use while creating a colorful, natural, yard or garden that is easier and cheaper to maintain.

Planning & design: Consider soil and light conditions, drainage, which existing plants you plan to keep, maintenance level desired, plant and color preferences, and your budget.

Soil improvements: Mix compost or peat moss into the soil before planting to help the soil retain water. If your yard is sloped, reduce water run-off with terraces and retaining walls.

Practical lawns: Limit the amount of area devoted to grass. Plant groundcovers or add hard surface areas like patios, decks or walkways. When replanting lawn areas, use drought-tolerant grass seed mixes.

Plant selection: Choose from among the many types of low-water-using trees, shrubs, flowers and groundcovers. Many need watering only in the first year or two after planting.

Efficient irrigation: Install drip or trickle irrigation systems for those areas that need watering. These systems use water efficiently and are available from commercial garden centers.

Effective use of mulches: Use mulches like pine needles or shredded bark or leaves in a layer 3 inches deep. This keeps soil moist, smothers weeds and prevents erosion.

Regular maintenance: Properly timed pruning, fertilizing, pest control and weeding will preserve your landscape's beauty and water efficiency.