Get Water-Wise for the New Year

Here's a resolution that will help your wallet and your lawn.

As we gear up for the new year to roll in, it can be daunting to figure out a new year's resolution that a) isn't cliche and b) is actually doable. Well, we've got one for you to call your own, and the best part about it is the fact that it has a positive effect on two areas of your life. Yep, this resolution is a 2-for-1 whammy, sure to make you feel like you've got a solid hold on 2017 within in the first couple days. Sound good to you?

Thought so.

OK, so here's what you're going to do. You're going to get "water-wise."

Getting water-wise means you will vow to yourself to, this year, save water and, in turn, save more money. And the best part of all? You don't even have to change your daily shower routine.

According to Pike Nurseries, most homeowners over-water their lawns and gardens.

How to correctly water your lawn

To increase the health of your lawn and garden, you should water deeper, reducing the amount of hydration needed in the long run. In addition, you should water in the early morning to reduce the water evaporation that happens as midday creeps around. Since you'll be starting this new habit in the month of January, a cooler month, you don't have to water your lawn quite as often as summer months. You should only be watering about once or twice a week, Pike Nurseries says, and to avoid overwatering, you should place plants with similar water needs together.

Save big with mulching

Another tried-and-true tactic you can implement to water less (and save money) is to add mulch to your gardens. When you place a thin layer of mulch, about 2 to 3 inches, on your plants' soil surfaces, you can save hundreds of gallons of water each year. Read that again: Hundreds of gallons per year. 

It's time to make a new year's resolution you can actually stick to. Stop lying to yourself about losing those 15 pounds; you and those chips you love both know it's not going to happen in the four weeks you've allotted yourself. Get water-wise for 2017. Your lawn, your wallet, and your pride will reap the benefits.