Irrigation
Water is the highest demanded resource across the world and will be for generations to come. It is important to conserve it as best as we can and use it as efficiently as possible.
Lawn watering strategies
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that more plants and shrubs die from over-watering than anything else. Sprinklers running throughout the day contribute to a large portion of water consumption annually. Do not exceed watering recommendations for plants and shrubs; if in doubt consult with your local nursery.
It's important not only to not overwater, but to water
at the right times
; take advantage of the cool and moist air
during the early morning and late afternoon
when watering the lawn. Due to the natural heat of the sun during the middle of the day, much of the water intended for the lawn will evaporate before it ever penetrates the soil. Watering in low wind conditions also improves efficiency.
Using rain water efficiently can also help lower the need for lawn sprinklers. The roof of a typical home captures
more than 100,000 liters of rainwater a year
. By capturing rainwater for reuse, you not only save water and lower your water bill, but you also decrease polluted urban runoff into local streams, bays and oceans. You can also help reduce local and downstream flooding.
Eco-friendly native vegetation landscapes
The use of native plants is on the rise across the country as more and more people are learning about the many benefits they bring. Because native plants are well adapted to their local environments, they
tend to be low-maintenance
in terms of gardening, landscaping and water usage.
Some additional benefits:
-
Native plants provide wildlife with
familiar sources of food and shelter
.
-
They can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and
often require less pesticides and fertilizer
than other outside plants.
Additional strategies
-
Maintain a properly functioning irrigation system that
utilizes treated waste wate
r or greywater.
-
Adjust sprinklers to water
only grass areas.
-
Use
soaker hoses
or trickle-down hoses to water trees.
-
Use
moisture sensors
on sprinklers.
-
Use
mulch
around trees and shrubs to retain moisture.
-
Raise cutting deck on lawnmower for
longer blades of grass
to hold moisture better.
-
Eliminate fertilization
, and install rain barrels.
-
Eliminate water use when possible
outdoors, when cleaning areas, and replacing or installing fixtures or infrastructure.
-
Sweep or use a hand blower
to clear paved areas.
-
Use an
automatic shut-off nozzle
to control, when installing or using an ornamental water fountain.
-
Use a
permeable paving system
when replacing driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks.