<h1>Lawns</h1>
<h2>Is Yours Earning Its Keep?</h2>
<p><img alt="Man caring for lawn" height="145" src="/sites/default/files/images/lawn.jpg" style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px" width="200" />Ah, the American lawn.&nbsp; It is as much a part of our national tradition as apple pie and baseball.&nbsp;</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="http://conserveh2o.org/using-water-efficient-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&nbsp;<a href="/sites/default/files/resources/rwpc_resources/Planting_Maint_Lawn2012.pdf">brochure</a>.&nbsp;(PDF) Or, check out the <a href="http://www.tgwca.org/">Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance</a> for information on waterwise grass varieties.</p>
