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Summers in Elgin and Bastrop County bring high heat, dry conditions and thirsty lawns—but they don’t have to bring high water bills, local water officials say.
The Los t Pines Groundwater Conservation District is encouraging residents to adopt smarter lawn care habits that conserve water without sacrificing a healthy yard.
“When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to water more often— that can do more harm than good,” said Claire Marks, education and outreach coordinator for the district. “Instead, try the ‘cycle and soak’ method. Watering in short intervals allows water to soak into the soil rather than running off.”
According to Marks, most turf grass in the area only needs about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall, irrigation or both.
Early morning is the best time to water, she added, as it reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal issues.
As for the grass itself, raising mower blade heights can help reduce stress and improve soil moisture retention. According to Marks, common local strains like St. Augustine grass do best at 2.5 to 3.5 inches, while Bermuda grass performs well at 1 to 1.5 inches.
“Never remove more than one-third of above-ground growth at a time,” she said. “A scalped lawn is a stressed lawn—and that just means more water use.”
The district also recommends soil testing before applying fertilizer. Knowing what nutrients are needed can help avoid over-fertilizing and reduce the risk of runoff into area waterways.
Residents interested in learning more can find resources, statistics and contact details at lostpineswater. org.
“Let’s grow a lawn you can be proud of—without wasting a drop,” Marks said.
