Three upcoming classes hosted by Arlington Water Utilities and the Tarrant Regional Water District will give residents a chance to learn more about water efficient practices for their lawns and gardens, just in time for spring. Arlington Water and TRWD have teamed up with the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association and the Arlington Public Library to offer the free events, which will all be held 6 to 8 p.m.

The schedule includes:

Drip Irrigation and Drought Tolerant Plants - March 30, Southeast Branch Library, 900 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard

Rainwater Harvesting and Your Landscape - April 4, Southwest Branch Library, 3311 S.W. Green Oaks Boulevard

Drip Irrigation and Drought Tolerant Plants - April 6, Lake Arlington Branch Library, 4000 W. Green Oaks Boulevard

Registration is recommended. To register, visit www.savearlingtonwater.com or send your name, phone number, and which class you would like to attend to [email protected].

Spring also is a great time for a "sprinkler spruce-up." Here are some tips to follow:

• Conduct monthly, two minute per zone inspections to identify and adjust any sprinkler heads that are spraying water on pavement.
• Adjust irrigation controller settings to water infrequently (up to twice per week in July and August) and deep into the soil by using the cycle and soak method to promote strong, drought resistant roots.
• Water in the early morning and never between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
• Install a three inch layer of mulch around plants, bushes, and trees to retain soil moisture.
• Expand landscape beds by replacing a portion of unused turf grass with native and drought tolerant plants with help from Texas Smartscape: txsmartscape.com.