Green tips for green grass

Now that it’s summertime and the heat is here there’s no avoiding watering your landscaping. When it comes to lawns, however, there are a few things you can do to cut down on the amount of water necessary to keep them lush and green. Conserving water, of course, has become increasingly important as the nation, and especially California, has faced several drought-stricken years. A bonus to conserving water in the household is the savings it will have on your water bill.

Here are some tips to cut down on watering while quenching your lawn’s thirst.

• Mulch it: Instead of tossing your grass clippings, put them back onto the lawn. This method helps the lawn retain moisture and it fertilizes, too.

• Time it right: Don’t sprinkle during the middle of the day, when much of the water will evaporate. Instead, turn on the spigot during the cool morning hours or at night.

• Keep it long: Set your mower on one of its highest settings. Taller grass retains moisture better and stays healthy easier (especially when you also mulch).

• Aerate it: By aerating your lawn, you’re providing water-trapping holes that the grass will drink from. The holes also help pull nutrients to the roots.