As a homeowner, you have to deal with utility bills every month. While most people know their average electric bill off the top of their head, they typically don’t think about how much they pay for water every month. For most families, this amount comes to about $70 each month. But when you’re in the middle of the growing season, that number can be significantly higher. The best thing you can do is try to lower your water bill whenever possible. Here are a few simple tips from you Denver sprinkler pros to help you save water without hurting your landscaping.

Invest in a Sprinkler System

If you don’t already have a sprinkler system, the best thing you can do for your home is to get a system installed. Sprinklers distribute enough water to keep your lawn happy and healthy without wasting a drop. The spray covers a larger area than you can by hand-watering and only turns on when it can do the most good for your plants. Even better, modern sprinkler systems have built-in rain sensors that keep the system from running when the soil is already wet. The less it has to run, the more water you’ll save.
 

Watch for Puddles

Even the most well-maintained sprinkler system can develop a leak. And when it does, you’re going to be wasting water every day. The longer that leak goes on, the more money you’ll shell out on your water bill. Take a look at your lawn and check for puddles or soft spots between watering. If you notice anything that looks out of place, call your sprinkler repair team and get them to inspect your system as soon as possible. 

Don’t Overwater

If your sprinkler system is watering your lawn and landscaping, it should be giving your plants all the water they need to grow well. This means you won’t need to water them after the system cuts off unless they’re outside the spray pattern. Overwatering isn’t just bad for your utility bill—it’s bad for your plants, too. Frequent overwatering can cause the roots of your plants to develop root rot and mold. This can eventually cause those plants to underproduce new growth or die outright.
 

Collect Rainwater

In Colorado, you’re legally allowed to collect up to 110 gallons of rainwater to use in your garden or on your landscaping. Use this to your advantage! Set up rainwater collection barrels around your downspouts and collect the runoff that hits your roof. The more water you collect, the less you’ll have to pay for to keep your flower beds and landscaping looking pristine. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t ever feel like you can rely on your rain barrels alone. There’s no guarantee that Colorado springs and summers will get tons of rain in the first place. Keep your sprinkler system tuned up and ready to go just in case.
 

Plant the Right Plants

It should come as no surprise that some plants need more water than others. In most cases, these plants will be ones meant to grow in wetter and more humid climates. Instead of filling your landscape with those extra-thirsty plants, consider choosing drought-tolerant or native plants. These will be able to thrive even during dry periods and will require far less water than other plants. If you’re not sure which plants to incorporate and which to avoid, contact your landscaping pro and ask for advice.

Invest in Mulch

We've mentioned mulch quite a bit in the past and for good reason: it helps set your garden beds up for successful growing seasons quickly and easily. But that’s not all it does. It also helps keep the soil moist so you can skip watering more frequently without causing your plants to fail. Even better, it insulates the roots from extreme weather, keeping the soil cooked in summer. This helps you reduce the amount of water you need to use by reducing the amount of moisture evaporating as the soil heats up. All you need is a thin layer spread evenly over your garden bed.
 

Decrease the Size of Your Lawn

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, you may not have this option. But if you’re able to do whatever you feel like to your home’s exterior, it may be best to decrease the size of your lawn. Grass needs a lot of water to grow in Colorado. Depending on the size of your lawn, this could cost you hundreds of gallons each year. By decreasing the size of your lawn even by just a few cubic feet, you can dramatically decrease the amount of water you need to keep your grass hydrated. You can get creative with it. Add gravel to create a unique hardscape design, plant native Colorado grasses to create a decorative border, or even plant trees to add privacy and value to your home. The only limit is your imagination.
 

Let Your Grass Get a Bit Taller

The shorter you mow your lawn, the more the sun can dry out the soil. When this happens, you’ll find yourself needing to water more often, increasing your home’s overall water consumption. Instead of cutting your grass as short as you possibly can to reduce the amount of time you spend mowing each month, let it grow a little taller. This will let the grass blades shade the soil, keeping it from drying out quickly. While you may have to mow a little more frequently, you’ll end up spending far less on your water bill month after month.
 

Try These Tips for Yourself

Saving money is always a priority and cutting down your home’s water consumption is one of the best ways to do it. Even better, you’ll reduce your home’s environmental impact over time. These tips are just a starting point, but they should be enough to help you lower your bills and keep your landscaping looking great during the growing season. Just make sure to get your sprinkler system tuned up and ready to go for the upcoming growing season now.