Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/342644
www.greenmediaonline.com July 2014 Green Media 11 sun and shade, dry and damp areas, plant size, and how you plan to use each section of the yard. • Keep soil healthy. Aerating lawns and around trees at least once a year helps improve water penetration. When plant- ing, turn and cultivate the soil and add compost or fertilizer to improve moisture retention and grow healthier plants that need less water to stay strong. • Mulch well around plants, bushes and trees. Using 2 to 4 inches of mulch reduces evaporation, moderates spikes and lows in soil temperatures, improves water penetration and helps con- trol weeds that compete for water. • "Hydro-zone" yards. Grouping plants with similar moisture needs in the same area makes it easier to make sure they get the water they need without overwatering. Separate plants from grassy areas, which have different water requirements. • Plant in spring or fall. Avoid summer, when hotter tempera- tures mean plants need more water to become established. • Save grass for functional areas. Plant grass in play zones and other areas where it will be used and enjoyed. Instead of plant- ing turf on steep slopes or other hard-to-water spaces, consider ground cover, perimeter plants or mulch. • Plant shade trees. The shade they cast creates natural "air- conditioning," lowering air and soil temperatures, and reducing soil moisture loss. • Maintain yards regularly. A well-maintained yard requires less water, so weed, prune and mow as needed. Watering wisely • Get in the zone. Schedule each individual zone in the irriga- tion system to account for type of sprinkler, sun or shade expo- sure, and soil in that section. Different zones will almost always need different watering schedules. • Consider soil type. Type of soil determines how quickly water can be absorbed without runoff. Watering more than soil can absorb causes runoff and waste. • Don't send water down the drain. Set sprinklers to water plants, not driveways, sidewalks, patios or buildings. • Water only when needed. Saturate root zones and let the soil dry. Watering too much and too frequently results in shallow roots, weed growth, disease and fungus. • Water at the best time. Watering during the heat of the day may cause losses of up to 30 percent due to evaporation. Prevent water loss by watering when the sun is low or down, winds are calm and temperatures are cool — typically between the evening and early morning. • Water more often for shorter periods. For example, setting a system to run for three 5-minute intervals lets soil absorb more water than watering for 15 minutes at one time, reducing runoff. • Adapt watering to the season. Familiarize yourself with the settings on the irrigation controller and adjust the watering schedule regularly based on seasonal weather conditions. Or invest in a Smart controller so the system can make these changes automatically. Investing in an irrigation system • Use components that provide flexibility. Different plants have different watering needs, and these needs may change over time. The system should allow you to apply the right amount of water for each type of plant by the most effective method. • Install excess capacity. Irrigation zones are areas that are watered by the same irrigation valve and plumbing. Installing extra connections now makes it easier and less expensive to expand the irrigation system later. • Think Smart. Include Smart controls that automatically adjust watering based on rain, soil moisture, evaporation and plant water use. • Check water pressure. Low or high pressure can seriously affect sprinkler performance; choose sprinklers based on the water pressure on the site. • Buy the best. Use the best components you can afford to minimize future maintenance and total lifetime cost of the sys- tem. • Meet code requirements. Include the right backflow prevention device for your area. Required by the National Plumbing Code for all irrigation systems, backflow prevention devices prevent irrigation system water from contaminating the water supply. • Dig deep. Install lines deep enough to protect them from damage from aeration and other lawn maintenance. • Look for savings. Many water utilities offer rebates for certain water-efficient products. Before finalizing a new system, consult with your local water provider. Maintaining and upgrading the system • Inspect the system monthly. Check for leaks, broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and other problems. Clean clogged screens and micro-irrigation filters as needed. • Adjust sprinkler heads. Remove or correct obstructions All photos provided by the Irrigation Association.