Village of Lake Barrington

Click above for the Lawncare Water Use brochure

Conserve Water Through Lawncare Water Use

Village President Kevin Richardson serves as the Chairperson of the Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee.  The Committee is comprised of elected officials and other stakeholders and is charged with establishing “sustainable policies and practices in order to ensure there is available, clean, safe, and cost-effective drinking water in the future.  The following is excerpted from the Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee’s Lawncare Water Use brochure.  Click on the symbol at the left for the whole brochure.

While Caring for your Lawn

If we considered watering the average-sized lawn of 1/5 of an acre with the recommended amount of water of 1” per week, that lawn would require about 65,000 gallons of water for the 3 months of summer.  Here are some ideas that might help cut down on your family’s water use but still maintain a healthy lawn.

§   Water only what grows. Make sure the heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water, not a fine mist, to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

§   Let your lawn go dormant during the hottest months by not watering. Cool-season grasses stop growing at temperatures above 90° F. It will grow back in the cooler months of fall.

§   Water early in the day when lawns are normally wet from dew. Avoid midday watering due to evaporation, and at night due to potential increased chances of some diseases.

§   Water every 5-7 days (if no rain). A soaking rain can extend the period to 10-14 days.

§   Water as infrequently as possible. Water thoroughly so moisture gets down to the depth of the roots. Avoid frequent waterings that promote shallower root systems and weeds.

§   Consider drip irrigation. When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers or other non-grassy areas, you can apply water directly to the roots with low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff and keep weeds from growing.

§   Mow at the highest setting. For most cool-season lawns, a height of between 3" to 3 1/2" is considered adequate. Keeping the grass slightly higher will increase shade on the soil, encourage deeper rooting and reduce evaporation.

Tree Selection and Tree Guides

Selecting Trees for Your Home - University of Illinois Extension

This interactive site will provide you with information about a tree you are considering and help you choose a tree by size, light exposure, use and tolerance of various conditions.

Arborday.org Tree Guide – Arbor Day Foundation

This site provides mature height & spread, sun/shade tolerance, soil, hardiness zone, growth rate, type of tree, shape, and information.

Tree & Plant Selection - Morton Arboretum

This site links you to information and photos about plants and trees.

The Right Tree in the Right Place – Arbor Day Foundation

Proper placement and selection of trees can help cut heating and air conditioning costs and add value to your home.

Tree Care

Plant Advice – Morton Arboretum

Comprehensive tree care site that links you tree care topics. 

9 Things You Should Know About Trees – Arbor Day Foundation

Some of the topics covered on this site:  pruning, mulching, and how to plant a bare root or containerized tree.

Insects & Diseases – Morton Arboretum

Comprehensive site links to information and visuals of insects and diseases that affect your tree.

Pest & Problems - University of Illinois Extension

This illustrative portal provides visuals and information regarding diseases and pests that affect your tree.

Emerald Ash Borer – Illinois Department of Natural Resources

In the Arboretum

This webpage features information about trees planted in the Village’s Arboretum located on the municipal campus.

Tree Fun for Kids

Natural Illinois: The Trees You See - Illinois Early Learning Project

Provides kid’s activities and resources

What Tree Is That? – Arbor Day Foundation

This is a cool interactive tree identification web tool that adults will enjoy too.