Be wise with water consumption during hot summer months
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – Baker City Public Works has released some helpful information related to the need for citizens to help save water.
Water-Wise Lawncare
We need your help saving water this summer! Lawn irrigation is one of the main drivers of increased water use in Baker City this time of year. As temperatures rise and we reach the peak summer season, these tips can help you keep your grass looking great using less water.
How much and how often should I water my lawn?
Watering deeply but infrequently promotes deeper root growth, which leads to more drought-tolerant grass. Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, applied either in a single watering or divided up into two shorter sessions. Use lawn watering gauges or empty tuna cans to measure how much water your sprinklers put out and then calculate how long to water. View this video for more information: https://bit.ly/3PbkEdl
Looking for a simpler way to tell if your grass needs water? Take a few steps on your lawn. Notice your footprints. If they stick around for a few hours, it’s time to water. On the flip side, if your lawn is soggy or you see a lot of runoff, you may be overwatering.
What can I do to maintain my lawn and still be water-wise?
• Set lawnmower blades to a height of 3-4 inches to encourage deeper root growth and promote drought tolerance.
• Aerate your lawn regularly. Aeration strengthens roots and helps them grow deeper, which allows for better water absorption.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to provide a natural fertilizer and help the soil retain moisture.
• Look for ways to reduce your lawn’s footprint. Consider replacing lesser-used or harder-towater areas (such as borders, narrow strips, or steep grades) with low-water-use native plants and decorative groundcover. Adding pathways of gravel, pavers, or stepping stones also reduces the lawn area.
