<h2>[[{"fid":"107","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"style":"float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0;","class":"adaptive-image media-element file-default"}}]]Is Yours Earning Its Keep?</h2><p>Ah, the American lawn. It is as much a part of our national tradition as apple pie and baseball.</p><p>Look in any community across the nation, and you are likely to see lawns incorporated into our home landscapes, parks, recreation fields, and more.</p><p>And, why not?&nbsp; When planted with thoughtful design, lawns can be a beautiful and practical addition to the landscape. There are also many <a href="http://conserveh2o.org/benefits-lawn" title="lawn benefits">benefits</a> to planting grass.</p><p>But, they also require more water and <a href="http://conserveh2o.org/lawn-maintenance-requirements" title="Lawn maintenance">maintenance</a> than many other plants. And, up to 50% of water used to water lawns can be lost to evaporation, run off, overspray and overwatering.</p><p>So, is your lawn earning its keep? Take a moment to evaluate your lawn. If you think of it as more of a hassle than a haven, you may want to consider changing your landscape to better suit your needs - perhaps incorporating <a href="http://conserveh2o.org/lawn-alternatives" title="Lawn alternatives">lawn alternatives</a>, water wise <a href="/low-water-use-plants">plants</a>, or hardscapes into your landscape?</p><p><span>On the other hand, if your lawn is a haven, you may be able to save water, money, and time this summer by making some small adjustments to your regular&nbsp;</span><a href="http://conserveh2o.org/lawn-maintenance-requirements" title="Lawn maintenance">maintenance</a><span>&nbsp;routine.</span></p><p>Looking for more in-depth information on lawns?&nbsp; Download our Planting &amp; Maintaining Your Lawn <span class="file media-element file-default" data-file_info="%7B%22fid%22:%22189%22,%22view_mode%22:%22default%22,%22type%22:%22media%22%7D"><img alt="" class="file-icon" src="/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" title="application/pdf" /> <a href="http://conserveh2o.thedrupalteam.com/sites/default/files/planting_maint_lawn2012.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=2183550">brochure</a></span>. Or, check out the <a href="http://www.tgwca.org/">Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance</a> for information on waterwise grass varieties.</p>