Outdoor Conservation Tips

Don't Over Water Plants and Lawns.
Did you know that most people overwater their landscaping? Too much water harms plants and wastes water. Most Water is wasted in months prior to or just after the rainy season when intermittent rains occur. Use the landscape watering calculator at www.WaterWiseSB.org as a guide to adjust your irrigation schedule.

Get a Rain Sensor.
Rain sensors automatically shut off your irrigation timer when it rains, preventing unnecessary watering. Goleta Water District is offering rain sensors while supplies last. For more information click here or call 805 964-6761 Ext 643.

Plant the right plants.
A new water wise gardening CD-ROM is in production to help you choose water saving plants for your landscape. The CD will feature a searchable database. Call 964-6761 Ext. 643 for more information.

Water Landscaping During Non-Daylight Hours.
Set your timer for the early morning or late evening for best results.

Adjust Sprinklers and Timers and Stop Leaks.
Check your sprinklers and timers monthly to save time and water. Adjust your sprinkler for proper aim and check for clogged nozzles. If you water by hand, set a timer to remember to move the sprinkler promptly. If you have an older irrigation system as much as 75% of your water can be lost to leaks.

Replace Old and Inefficient Sprinkler Heads with Efficient Rotating Nozzles.
For more information go to: www.WaterWiseSB.org/landscape.aspx?id=444.

Try the Santa Barbara County Landscape Watering Calculator at www.WaterWiseSB.org.
It's easy, fun and will help you optimize your sprinklers for your specific plants.

Choose Native Plants and Use Water-Smart Landscaping Design.
A water-smart garden features plants that do well in our local environment. These plants can be beautiful and use less water. And plan your plants, irrigation and design for maximum water savings and plant health. Watch the Garden Wise TV show, co-sponsored by the Goleta Water District. Visit www.WaterWiseSB.org/landscape.aspx?id=432for more information. DVDs of the show may also be borrowed from the library.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch.
A two- or three-inch layer of shredded wood or other mulch slows evaporation, cools and protects the soil and keeps down weeds. And it looks great, too. The County of Santa Barbara offers free mulch to area residents. Visit www.lessismore.org/Programs/mulch.html for more information.

Consider a "smart" irrigation controller.
New technology exists to help you irrigate your landscape efficiently. Visit http://WaterWiseSB.org/landscape.aspx?id=444 to learn more.

For More Ideas About How To Save Water Outdoors, and have a healthy beautiful landscape Click On:

• The landscape section at www.WaterWiseSB.org
• www.h2ouse.org