We've all heard about how to conserve water use: Don't run the water while brushing your teeth, shorten your showers, wash only full loads of clothes and so forth.

These are great tips for inside the home, but did you know the greatest use of water is outside the house?

Having the proper irrigation system can not only keep your landscape green and lush but save dollars in the process.

Smart watering

The installation of a satellitebased "smart" sprinkler controller can reduce water use dramatically.

You may already have a controller that allows you to automatically run your sprinklers based on the program you enter. Information such as when to water, how much to water and how often to water can be put into any automatic system.

But how do you know when to water, how much to water and how often?

It is difficult to know for sure. In fact, you would have to consider which valves control shaded areas and sunny areas, whether the site is level or on a slope, and if the soil sandy or clay. There are hundreds of variables that determine correct watering.

Using a smart controller, evapotransporation, or total water loss from the soil, can be measured through a satellite system that will initiate watering only as needed. Of course, your existing sprinkler system should be inspected for leaks, maximum coverage and minimum overspray first so as to maximize the investment.

Once those repairs are completed and your smart controller installed, you will never have to program your controller and turn it on and off during the rainy season.

Synthetic turf

Have you considered the high cost of maintaining your lawn?

You can eliminate the high price of water and landscaping by installing a synthetic turf lawn.

Artificial turf has come a long way since the early '70s. No longer does it resemble the "outdoor carpeting" look that it used to. In fact, it is often difficult to tell the difference between real grass and synthetic. No watering, no mowing, no fertilizing, no brown spots, no insect damage— and soft enough for the kids and dogs to play on.

Ron Reichl is the owner of Metro Landscape in Simi Valley. He is a landscape contractor, certified nurseryman and a former horticulture instructor at Michigan State University. He can be reached at (805) 857-0616.