use a broom – Rather than use a hose to clear driveways, steps and sidewalks of dirt and debris, sweep them clean with a broom.
water efficiently – Much of landscaping water is lost through evaporation. According to the City of Dallas’ Save Water program, make every drop count by watering in the early morning (before 9 a.m.) when the sun is low and the wind is calmer. “The most efficient hose-end sprinklers throw large drops of water close to the ground. When you use misting sprinklers or sprinklers that throw water high into the air, the water often evaporates before it hits the ground.” Consider using soaker hoses for planting beds and drip-irrigation for more valuable plants.
install a rain gauge – Rain gauges measure the amount of precipitation received. Most lawns and gardens only need one inch of water per week. By monitoring how much water Mother Nature provides, a person can determine how much additional water is needed, if any. Rain gauges are simple, inexpensive tools that can be purchased at any home improvement store.
improve soil – Good soil can help homeowners avoid over-watering. According to the City of Dallas, “most soil will benefit from adding organic matter such as compost. This will improve drainage, moisture penetration and the capacity of the soil to hold water.”
choose plants wisely – Use native and drought-tolerant plants that thrive on natural rainfall and don’t require as much additional water. Consider planting ground cover or shrubs instead of grass, which guzzles water. Grass is more appropriate for wet climates.
use organic mulches – Slow weed growth, and reduce soil water loss and erosion by using organic mulch in beds and gardens. Try common mulches such as pine bark, shredded trees, composted leaves, and shredded landscape or lawn clippings.
raise lawn mower height – Make lawns more drought-tolerant by cutting grass at least three inches high to shade the roots. Accomplish this by raising the height of a lawn mower.
install porous pavement – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests using porous pavement such as gravel instead of asphalt for driveways and sidewalks. This allows rain to be absorbed, recharging groundwater supplies rather than running off and contributing to erosion.