Smart watering

Water infrequently but deeply to moisten the whole root zone

• For lawns, a loss of shine or the lingering presence of footprints indicate that it's time to water.
• If your soil is dry or compacted, stop watering for a while and then restart; this prevents runoff.
• Vegetables and other annuals should be watered at the first sign of droop, or about one inch a week.
• Trees and shrubs usually don't need to be watered once they are fully established (2 to 4 years).

Make every drop count

• Water in the early morning; plant leaves dry out and this prevents fungal disease.
• Use mulch around plants to hold in moisture.
• Choose native plants.
• Use timers, soaker hoses or drip irrigation to manage water use.
• Don't water the sidewalk.

Let the rain soak in

• Direct downspouts out onto lawns and garden beds.
• Use open pavers, gravel or other types of pavement that let rain in.
• Create swales to direct rooftop rain toward your plants.

If you have an irrigation system

• Inspect the system once a month - look for leaks or heads that are plugged or misdirected.
• Test and adjust the system annually and make any necessary repairs.
• Install a rain shutoff device.
• Adjust the watering schedule throughout the growing season - plants need a lot less water in May and September than they do in July and August.

Learn more

• Watering Guidelines for new plantings - Saving Water Partnership external link
• Make or buy a rain barrel - Department of Natural Resources and Parks rain barrel information