The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging homeowners to adopt simple lawn care practices this summer that can help reduce water use while keeping landscapes healthy during periods of hot weather.
The council says homeowners can often reduce the need for excessive watering by raising mower blades, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, applying mulch around trees and garden beds, choosing native plants, collecting rainwater with rain barrels, planting rain gardens, and maintaining vegetated buffers along streams. These practices help strengthen root systems, improve soil health, and retain moisture naturally.
“Many homeowners assume more water is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn during the summer, but healthy landscapes begin with healthy lawn care practices,” said Water Advisory Council Chair Beth Davidson. “Simple steps like raising mower blades, removing weeds, applying mulch, and making better use of natural rainfall can help homeowners maintain attractive landscapes while conserving water and reducing irrigation costs.”
As part of its ongoing public education efforts, the council will host a free Lunch & Learn webinar on July 30 from noon to 1 p.m. focusing on flood resilience in the Hudson Valley and strategies communities can use to prepare for increasingly common flash flooding.
Residents can find additional water conservation tips, educational resources, and webinar registration information through the Rockland County Water Advisory Council’s Water Hero program. The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
