Stop Watering Your Lawn, MN DNR Says

TWIN CITIES, MN — The average Minnesotan uses about 52 gallons of water each day, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources. As the state's severe drought continues with no end in sight, environmental officials are encouraging residents to conserve as much water as possible.

That means skipping any lawn irrigation. "Avoid watering your grass—it will come back," the DNR notes. Minnesotans should instead focus on watering their trees and shrubs.

Trees need an inch of water per week

The city of Minneapolis, which recently issued sprinkler restrictions, says residents should still water trees, especially if they're young trees. Even under the city's current sprinkling restrictions, tree watering is allowed with a dripping hose.

"Minneapolis yard and boulevard trees need an inch of water every week all through the summer-fall season," the city said in a news release. "Lack of water can make trees vulnerable to insects and disease and cause permanent damage to young and old trees alike."

Why are trees more of a priority than grass?

"Taking care of our trees means protecting our Minneapolis quality of life. Healthy trees are beautiful, increase property values, help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide, save energy, keep the city cooler, provide homes for wildlife and help manage stormwater," the city said.

"If you have space in your yard to plant a tree, consider getting one going so it can get a start on providing shade and making a better quality of life in your neighborhood. The larger the tree, the larger the benefits."

Minnesota is currently in a drought warning

Nearly 20 percent of the state is under "extreme drought conditions," according to the federal drought monitor.

Unfortunately, even if the current forecast holds and we some do get rain Friday, it won't be nearly enough to end the drought. The end of July will feature mostly hot and dry weather.

"Under current conditions, it will take at least three to five inches of precipitation spread over a period of about two weeks to significantly alleviate the drought," the state Department of Natural Resouces said in a news release.

"Soils are more efficiently replenished by multiple rainfall events than by any single heavy rainfall event. Surface water and groundwater respond somewhat differently over time."