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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/158652
Irrigation and Water Management By Katie Navarra Drought-tolerant landscapes ater is the lifeblood of every living species, and drought areas are increasing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a government report found that water managers in 36 states expected to face water shortages in 2013. Well planned landscapes that incorporate drought-tolerant elements provide landscape professionals and property owners the opportunity to increase the likelihood of a landscape's survivability during a drought while potentially reducing the overall water usage within the landscape. Drought-tolerant landscapes provide additional benefits, including enhanced curb appeal and potentially lower maintenance costs. "(Drought-tolerant) landscapes incorporate more interesting plant species and that variety can be colorful and vibrant and increase a home's value," said Amber Lefstead, outdoor coordinator for EPA's WaterSense Program. Carefully planned, drought-tolerant landscapes also have the ability to save property owners on maintenance fees. "Especially native W Left image: This large, succulent garden rarely requires any supplemental watering because of its reliance on low water use plants that are appropriate for the climate of coastal Southern California. Although there is a complete irrigation system installed, it is never needed. All of the grounds are covered with rocks, gravel and lava rocks to help decrease water evaporation from the soil. Photo by Gary Mills 14 Landscape and Irrigation September 2013 plants will require less fertilizer, less time because they are adapted to the climate and conditions of the landscape," Lefstead added. What is a drought-tolerant landscape? A drought-tolerant landscape is a landscape that uses species of plants proven to be resilient during continuous periods of months or years when a region receives less-than-average rainfall. Drought-tolerant landscapes may also incorporate elements such as pavement, walls, or overhead structures to reduce intense sun, radiated heat or cracking earth. Understanding the natural climate of the region is critical. "If the natural weather cycle includes, for instance, a hot, dry summer (which is usually associated with a cool, wet winter such as in Mediterranean climate), then plants must be selected that are either indigenous to, or tolerant of, that climate," said Danilo Maffei, Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Selecting plant material that is indigenous to the area can be considered an "insurance policy" so that, in the event of an extended drought, the majority of the landscape survives the event, said Maffei. Middle image: This landscape in California uses drought-tolerant plants to reduce watering, and mulch to cover the soil, retaining moisture for plant roots and reducing evaporation. Plants are grouped by hydrozone to save water and shade trees increase passive cooling of the landscape, reducing evaporation. All hardscape is permeable, allowing stormwater to stay onsite, and an efficient irrigation system with multi-stream rotator spray heads and drip irrigation reduces water waste. Photo by Julie Orr Design www.landscapeirrigation.com