Leave the grass clippings to decompose on the lawn. Annually, this will provide nutrients equivalent to one or two fertilizer applications. Set mower at 2 inches to reduce water use during hot weather.

Early moring or night is the best time for watering to reduce evaporation. To help control where your water goes, water when it’s not windy.

To measure the water, put an empty tuna can (or cat food can) on the lawn while watering. Stop watering when the can is full or if you notice water running off the lawn.

One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly. Lawns need about 1 inch of water each week. If the weather is very hot, apply an inch of water about every 3 days. Watering to a depth of 4-6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It allows longer