Manage a Small Acreage
Since many small acreages are located outside of city limits, the main water source is usually an untreated well, although some areas may have treated city water available to them. Waste products and waste water flow into a septic tank where they are broken down and then pumped out to a leaching field. Both the water well and septic system must be maintained properly in order to optimize their performance and ensure that they will remain operational for many years. Good acreage management also includes reducing the usage of the well and septic system. Due to the additional volume of land that needs maintaining, additional tools are required for lawn care and snow removal. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Water Conservation
1. Match grass seed to the climate. In dry areas, plant grass that is drought-resistant and will not require frequent watering.
2. Funnel rain into barrels from your eavestrough for use in gardens and flower beds.
3. Cover gardens with mulch to help them retain moisture during dry periods.
4. Reduce the amount of water used within the home by ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are full before being turned on.
Well Maintenance
5. Test water samples every year to ensure that there is no contamination. Most agriculture extension offices will complete these tests for a small fee.
6. Pay attention to the color and clarity of your tap water. If the water coming from your well suddenly becomes cloudy and discolored or you find sediment in it, the water has most likely been drained from the well. Do not run water until the well has had time to recover. If a lack of water persists for more than a few hours, a professional well service company should be called.
7. Spread water usage throughout the day if possible.
Septic System Maintenance
8. Avoid using harsh cleaning products, including bleach, that can kill the bacteria in the septic tank, slowing the process of breaking down solids.
9. Keep large animals, heavy equipment and vehicles off of the septic system's leaching field. The septic system's leaching field takes the broken-down waste from the septic tank, through a series of perforated pipes laid on a gravel bed and covered with dirt, and leaches it back into the soil. Repetitive heavy weight on the system can cause the pipes and the surrounding soil to collapse and break over time.
10. Pump the septic tank out every one to three years, depending on the number of occupants in the residence and the size of the septic tank.
11. Avoid flushing food products, grease and oil into the septic system.
12. Do not plant trees in the vicinity of the septic tank or leaching field. Tree roots may grow long enough to disrupt the lines and cause collapse or plugging of your septic system.
Snow Removal and Lawn Maintenance
13. Purchase a riding lawn mower to cut down on the amount of time spent on yard work. A garden tractor that is capable of removing snow can double as a lawn mower and perform additional gardening functions with specialized attachments for seeding, aerating or plowing.
14. Consider having your driveway paved. Due to its smooth surface, it will be easier to keep free from snow and leaves and it will not require grading to alleviate ruts.
15. Plant trees along the edge of the property to act as both a windbreak and privacy barrier. The appropriate variety of tree to plant depends on the climate and conditions.
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