HURST, TX — Maintaining a lush lawn during Texas’ hot, dry summers can be a challenge, especially in regions with clay-heavy soil and tight water restrictions. But with a few smart strategies, you can keep your yard green, healthy, and water-wise. The City of Hurst offers essential tips to help you strike the perfect balance between conservation and curb appeal.
Water Wisely, Grow Deep Roots
Forget daily watering. Lawns thrive on deep, infrequent watering—just once or twice a week. This trains grass to grow deeper, more drought-resistant roots and helps reduce reliance on sprinklers.
Pro tip: Sign up for local watering recommendations at SaveTarrantWater.com. Their weekly advice uses real-time weather data and can help homeowners turn off their sprinklers up to 25 weeks per year!
Time It Right
Avoid watering during the heat of the day to reduce evaporation:
- Don’t water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Use the “cycle and soak” method: short watering bursts with rest in between (6–8 mins for spray heads, 12–14 mins for rotors)
- Hand watering, drip systems, and soaker hoses are allowed anytime
City of Hurst watering schedule:
- Monday: No watering allowed
- Tuesday & Friday: Non-residential
- Wednesday & Saturday: Homes ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday & Sunday: Homes ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
More details at hursttx.gov/waterconservation.
Sprinkler Smarts
A faulty sprinkler wastes gallons. Inspect your system twice a year (spring and summer) for:
- Clogged or misaligned heads
- Low pressure or leaks
- Uneven coverage
Also, replace the sprinkler controller battery annually to prevent power-outage resets.
Healthy Lawn Habits that Save Water
DO:
- Mow high and let clippings lie—protecting the soil and retaining moisture
- Sharpen mower blades to prevent tearing
- Scout for pests early
- Enrich soil with compost instead of synthetic fertilizers
DON’T:
- Scalp the lawn—stick to proper mowing heights
- Use herbicides excessively
- Fertilize warm-season grass in winter
- Mow on schedule instead of based on growth
Grass Height Guidelines:
| Grass Type | Mower Setting | Mow When Reaches |
| Common Bermuda | 1½ in | 2¼ in |
| “Tif” Bermuda | 1 in | 1½ in |
| St. Augustine | 2 in | 3 in |
| Zoysia | 2 in | 3 in |
| Tall Fescue | 2½ in | 3¾ in |
| Buffalo | 2 in | 3 in |
| Bluegrass | 2 in | 3 in |
| Centipede | 2 in | 3 in |
Bonus Tip: Mulch Matters
Use mulch in flower beds and around trees to conserve water, block weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Just avoid piling mulch against stems or trunks.
Check Your City’s Watering Rules & Rebates
Every Texas city has its own rules and rebate programs. Be sure to check your local guidelines—both to protect the water supply and your wallet.
Houston – houstontx.gov/watersaving
San Antonio – www.saws.org/conservation/
Austin – austintexas.gov/soakwisely
DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) – northtexaswateriq.org
Hurst – hursttx.gov/waterconservation
Being water-wise doesn’t mean sacrificing your lawn—it means managing it smarter. With the right schedule, tools, and lawn care habits, your grass can thrive all summer long while helping to conserve one of Texas’ most precious resources.
