### **Lawn Care Tips: Keep Your Grass Green and Your Bills Low This Summer**
Summertime in Elgin and Bastrop County can be a scorcher! With soaring temperatures and dry conditions, your lawn may look like it’s begging for a drink. But there’s no need for **sky-high water bills** or an unkempt yard. Let’s dive into some effective, water-wise lawn care strategies that will keep your grass lush while conserving this precious resource.
### **Embrace Smart Watering Techniques**
**Ditch the Frequent Watering**
When the thermometer rises, the instinct to water more often kicks in. However, **over-watering can be detrimental** to your lawn’s health. Claire Marks, the education and outreach coordinator for the Los t Pines Groundwater Conservation District, emphasizes the benefits of the **“cycle and soak” method**. This technique involves watering in short intervals, allowing moisture to deeply penetrate the soil rather than running off. **A happy lawn means less water wastage!**
#### **How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?**
According to Marks, most local turf grasses only require **about 1 inch of water per week**—whether from natural rainfall or your irrigation system. Monitoring your watering habits can drastically reduce wastage, so consider using a rain gauge for accuracy.
### **Timing is Everything**
**Early Morning is Best**
The early bird gets the worm—and in this case, it helps keep your lawn healthy! Watering in the **early morning not only minimizes evaporation** but also helps prevent fungal diseases.
### **Mower Maintenance: Height Matters**
**A Taller Grass Means Healthier Roots**
Adjusting your mower blade height is another powerful tactic. Raising the cutting height reduces stress on your lawn while improving moisture retention. For the popular **St. Augustine grass**, keep your blades between **2.5 to 3.5 inches**, while **Bermuda grass** thrives with blades at **1 to 1.5 inches**.
“Never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time,” Marks advises. “A scalped lawn is a stressed lawn—and that just means more water consumption.”
### **Fertilization: Less is More**
**Test First, Fertilize Smart**
Before reaching for that fertilizer, consider conducting a soil test. Knowing precisely what nutrients your soil lacks helps avoid **over-fertilization**, which can lead to nutrient runoff into local waterways. This not only protects the environment but also saves you money!
### **Resources to Keep You Informed**
For more insights, statistics, and helpful tips, visit [Lost Pines Water District](https://lostpineswater.org). It’s your one-stop hub for everything related to sustainable lawn care practices in the area.
### **Final Thoughts: A Proud Lawn, A Conserved Resource**
“Let’s grow a lawn you can be proud of—**without wasting a drop**,” urges Marks. With these tips, you can achieve a lush, green yard that thrives even during the hottest days of summer, all while being a responsible water user in your community.
Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in maintaining a beautiful lawn without stressing your wallet or the environment!
