Water at night. You will reduce water loss through evaporation if you avoid watering during the hotter parts of the day. Watering is most effective from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Mulch. It reduces evaporation and weed growth, slows erosion, and cools the area around the plants.

Water your landscaping only as much as it needs. Your lawn and shrubs will develop healthier, deeper root systems if they are watered deeply and infrequently.

Choose the right irrigation method. Whether your system is an installed irrigation system or a how and sprinkler, choose the method that's right for the plants being watered. Keep the angle of the water low, avoid fine mists, and make sure your application rate matches the absorption capabilities of your soil. If the water is running off your landscaping and onto the sidewalk or gutter, try using repeated, short watering cycles.

Consider the season. Your landscape needs less water during the spring and fall than it does in the middle of summer.

Turn off your sprinkler when it rains.