Michael Womack
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Saturday, February 5, 2000

Have plan for wise water use

Use of less-thirsty grass cuts waste of resource

 

The cooler temperatures and our recent rains make it easy to forget about the drought conditions of summer; however, now is the time to plan for a water-efficient landscape for future months.
   Rising populations in urban centers have increased the demand on the state's already limited water supply. In these urban areas, up to 40-60% of the water may be used in the landscape and garden during peak water-use seasons, primarily due to improper application or maintaining our traditional, high water demanding landscapes.
   A water-efficient landscape can be lush and green, full of beautiful plants, while saving our most precious natural resources. Anyone can save water in the landscape by applying one or more of the following principles of landscape water conservation:
  

Planning and design
  

Soil analysis and preparation
  

Appropriate plant selection
  

Practical turf areas
  

Use of mulches
  

Appropriate maintenance
   Planning and analysis
   While planning and design are typically thought of as only necessary for new yards, many existing landscapes could be revamped to be more water efficient as new plants and features are added.
   Soil analysis is the only way to determine the nutrient status of your lawn and flowerbeds.
   Our soils tend to be either very sandy or heavy clay with a relatively high pH near 8. The alkaline soil, along with the high levels of phosphorus typically found in our clay soils, will often tie up essential plant nutrients. The best line of defense is to add considerable amounts of compost. Annual soil tests will help you make the most informed fertilizing decisions. Free soil sample bags and instruction sheets are available through your local county extension office.
   Appropriate plant selection has two phases.
   First, low-water demand plants should always be the first choice. Also, plants should be grouped according to their water needs. Place those wanting more water closer to the house where their water status can be easily monitored. Drought tolerant plants should be used in the more remote areas of the yard that receive less attention.
   Grass selection and design is the key place to target water savings. St. Augustine grass should be avoided if possible.
   Bermudagrass, zoysia and buffalograss are considerably more drought tolerant. Only use turf for high traffic, high light areas such as play sites for children. Reduce turf by increasing the hardscape features such as decks, porches, and patios. Furthermore, avoid long narrow strips of grass, especially near driveways and streets. Use ground cover or short shrubs and mulch in these areas whenever possible.
   Correct watering
   Efficient irrigation has several components.
   First of all, water at the right time of day. Watering should be done between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. when both temperatures and winds are lowest. Watering during midday will result in up to 50% evaporation; evening watering encourages fungal disease problems in turf.
   Next, avoid fine mist sprinklers; larger water drops will provide more water to the soil and reduce evaporation. Finally, water less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
   Irrigation systems need to be regularly checked for missing or damaged heads along with misadjusted heads that water sidewalks and driveways instead of grass. Also, irrigation systems should be readjusted for less cooler months. Warm season grasses do not grow during winter months and do not need very much water and irrigation schedules must be adjusted accordingly.
   Mulches go hand in hand with efficient irrigation since they help soils to hold water longer. Mulches also help to keep weeds down when properly installed. Organic forms such as bark or cypress mulch are the best choices. Inorganic mulches such as rocks or gravel increase temperatures around plants by reflecting the sun's heat; plants then use more water to cool themselves through a process called transpiration.
   Maintain your plants
   Finally, appropriate maintenance will help your landscape be as healthy as possible.
   Remove diseased materials. Applying fertilizer at the proper time and in the proper amounts can save time, effort and money through reduced mowing and watering.
   Keeping lawns mowed to the proper height will also help. St. Augustine should be mowed to 3 inches while Bermudagrass is better at about 1 1/2 inches. Shorter cutting will reduce shading of grass blades and increase its water use.
   Each of the principles covered have easy, practical applications to any lawn. Water conservation in the landscape must be a priority for homeowners if our most precious natural resource-water-is going to be available for future generations.
   Taking steps now to reduce landscape water use in the spring and summer will allow you to make a smooth transition and keep a healthy yard in the event of water rationing. Waiting until you are not allowed to water regularly will stress your lawn and probably cost you more in the end through both higher water bills and the need to replace a weak lawn.
  
  
2000 Caller-Times Publishing Company, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.