Xeriscape Tips
2. Apply enough water to a lawn to sufficiently wet the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. This assists in root development, in contrast to shallow frequent watering. 3. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep plant roots. Deep plant roots increase a plant's heat and drought tolerance. 4. Water at night and early in the morning to reduce the amount of evaporation. The best time to water is between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. Do not water when the wind is blowing. 5. Don't leave your sprinkler timer on Auto-Pilot. If it has rained more than one half inch turn your system off or invest in a rain-shut off devise. Adjust your timer for seasonal changes, most lawns are grossly over watered in the spring and fall. 6. Check your sprinkler system for malfunctions. Adjust your sprinklers to spray the landscape only, not the sidewalks, driveways and buildings. Measure the amount of water you are applying to your landscape and adjust your timer to apply the proper amount of water. 7. If watering by a hose set a household timer to remind you to move or turn off you sprinkler. Water with a sprinkler that emits large drops that are close to the ground, avoid sprinklers that emit small drops and throw water high into the air. They are more prone to evaporation and wind drift. 8. Amend your soil for maximum water penetration and aeration. Apply 2 to 3 inches of well-aged manure or compost and till it in to a depth of 6 inches or more. 9. Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch on the soil surface to reduce evaporation, to retain moisture in the soil and to control weeds. 10. Water around the root zone of trees and shrubs. The roots extend out three to five times the height of the tree. Soaking the tree next to the trunk is not adequate. 11. Adjust the lawn mower height to 3 inches or more. The longer turf provides shade and insulation, which will reduce evaporation from the soil. |
