GREENING THE GARDEN

Landscaping accounts for 20-50% of all residential water use and provides the best opportunity for water conservation at home

Outdoor Irrigation:

Facts:

• As much as 30% of water can be lost to evaporation by watering the lawn during midday.
• Homes with in-ground sprinkler systems use 35% more water outdoors than those who do not have an in-ground system. One reason may be that system controllers are not adjusted according to seasonal irrigation needs.

Tips:

General Watering

• Water before 8 A.M. or after 6 P.M. to avoid evaporation and avoid watering on windy days.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one. For example, three ten minute sessions spaced 30 minutes to an hour apart will allow your lawn to better absorb moisture than one straight 30 minute session.
• Only water when your lawn is thirsty. Sprinklers should be left on long enough to allow water to soak into the ground but not so long to cause runoff. Deep watering allows grass to develop a deep root system, enabling the lawn to resist disease and drought. Over watering promotes shallow root growth, is wasteful and causes your lawn to grow too fast, resulting in more frequent mowing. (To determine if your lawn needs to be watered, simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.)
• Install moisture sensors in each irrigation zone (sunny, shady, etc.) to better determine irrigation needs.

Sprinklers/Sprinkler Systems

• Check sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good repair.
• Adjust the timer on automatic sprinklers according to seasonal water demands and weather conditions.
• Install a rain shut-off device on automatic sprinklers to eliminate unneeded applications.
• Make sure your sprinkler is placed so it only waters the lawn, not the pavement.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist, which increases evaporation.

Drip Irrigation

• Install a drip irrigation system for watering gardens, trees and shrubs. Drip irrigation provides a slow, steady trickle of water to plants at their roots through a network of hidden pipes and hoses. The systems are regulated by a controller that can be adjusted for different levels of watering according to the needs of the plants. Drip irrigation systems reduce over-watering, inefficient watering, weed growth, and the time and labor involved in hand watering.

5 Quick Green Steps to Take in Your Yard

1. Leave your grass clippings on the lawn instead of in a garbage bag
2. Use a push mower instead of a gas or electric mower. It's good exercise and it saves money
3. Use natural insect and pesticides like boric acid
4. Collect rainwater to water your yard or garden
5. Plan your landscaping to create shade in the summer and warmth in the winter

Landscaping:

Reduce the size of lawn areas. Plant grass where it will serve a useful function, such as recreation. In other areas consider shrubs, ground covers, decks or rockscapes which will add interest and color but be less demanding of water and maintenance

• Maintain a lawn height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches to help protect the roots from heat stress and reduce the loss of moisture to evaporation.
• Avoid planting turf in areas that are difficult to irrigate properly such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
• Aerate clay soils at least once a year to help the soil retain moisture.
• Promote deep root growth through a combination of proper watering, aerating, appropriate fertilization, thatch (grass clippings) control, and attention to lawn height. A lawn with deep roots requires less water and is more resistant to drought and disease.
• Mulch around plants, bushes and trees to help the soil retain moisture, discourage the growth of weeds, and provide essential nutrients.
• Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.
• When choosing plants, keep in mind that smaller ones require less water to become established.
• Collect rain water in a barrel and use it to water your garden (please note, this is not a legal practice in all areas).
• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.

Xeriscapetm

The Basics:

Xeriscapetm is a method of landscaping that conserves water. It incorporates seven principles including planning and design, soil preparation, use of plants suited to the soil and climate, creating practical turf areas, use of mulches, efficient irrigation, and proper maintenance. You can incorporate the principles of Xeriscapetm and still have a lawn and a beautiful yard. The key is keeping the amount of water thirsty plants and grasses in your landscape to a minimum.

Planning and Design:

Plan your landscape such that plants with similar water requirements are clustered together. Designate zones for areas requiring frequent watering, occasional watering, and no watering at all such as decks and patios. Be sure to match plants to yard conditions such as sunny, shady, dry or damp. When creating a landscape plan, take into consideration how the yard will be used and how it can provide the greatest benefit with the least amount of maintenance.

Soil Preparation:

Proper soil preparation requires a combination of turning, aerating and enriching the soil with compost or fertilizer. A little extra work in the beginning will pay off with healthier plants that require less water to stay healthy.

Plant Selection:

There are many resources available that will help you choose plants appropriate for your region that match your needs and tastes. See the resources listed below, visit your local library or nursery, or contact your local utility for more information.

Creating Practical Turf Areas:

The type and location of turf areas should be incorporated into your overall landscape plan. Match turf areas to their intended use, as well as topographical and soil conditions. For example, avoid using turf as a "fill in" material and placing turf in areas that are difficult to irrigate properly such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.

Use of Mulches:

Mulches applied around planting beds aid in moisture retention, discourage weed growth, and provide essential nutrients as they decay. Mulches can also be used in areas not appropriate for planting. Materials can include bark, wood chips, pine straw, nut shells, gravel, crushed stone, or landscape clippings.

Efficient Irrigation:

Efficient irrigation means applying water in the proper amount and only when necessary. Understand the different water requirements of the "zones" in your landscape, and check automatic sprinkler or drip irrigation systems periodically to ensure plants are receiving the water they need without being overwatered. Proper irrigation will not only conserve water but promote deeper root growth resulting in a healthier, more drought tolerant landscape.

Proper Maintenance:

Regular maintenance will not only preserve the beauty of your landscape but will keep it healthy. Maintenance needs of a carefully planned Xeriscapetm should decrease over time as plantings mature. By following the seven principles your landscape will require less watering, mowing, fertilizer and other chemicals to keep it looking great.