Keeping Your Lawn and Landscape Beautiful During Drought Conditions
Courtesy Fallas Landscape, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
Homeowners know the importance of water in maintaining a beautiful lawn and landscape. During times of drought cities must enact water restriction plans to conserve their water supply. You can still keep your lawn in good condition even when water is restricted.
The principles for having a beautiful landscape and watering wisely during drought conditions are three fold:
- Choose plants that are drought tolerant
- Add soil or mulch to protect roots and retain moisture
- Use the right tools and methods to deliver the optimal amount of water
Utilizing native and drought tolerant plants reduces the amount of water needed to keep your landscape beautiful. The best time to plant is during the fall, winter or early spring. Plant shade trees to cool the landscape and slow water evaporation. Some low water use plants that we use in landscape plans are beautiful and drought tolerant. Examples of a few of our favorites are: Red Yuccas, Cotoneasters, Knock out Roses, Fountain Grass, Silverado Sage, Mexican Buckeye, Nandinas, Agave plant. A few good trees for our region are: Catalpa tree, Texas Mountain Laurel, Desert Willow, Cedar Elm and Texas Lilac Vitex.
Mulch slows evaporation of water from the soil, reduces soil erosion, protects plant roots and controls weeds. Mulch allows the water to infiltrate the soil efficiently. Maintain a 2- to 4-inch mulch layer in all planted beds and containers.
A properly designed landscape needs 1 inch of water per week. Many homeowners water their landscapes two or three times per week, which can actually damage the landscape by supporting a shallow root system. One of the best techniques to use in applying water to home landscapes is drip irrigation. Drip Irrigation is the controlled slow application of water, usually drop by drop, to soil. With proper management, drip irrigation reduces water loss by up to 60% or more as compared to traditional watering methods. Under most city water restrictions plans, low flow irrigation systems may be run without restrictions during stage 3 and 4 restrictions. Many existing irrigation systems can be converted to drip irrigation. Maintaining a properly working irrigation system is a must to conserve water. Check your system for leaks, clogged heads, and misaligned heads. Install a rain and freeze sensor, which prevents an automatic system from applying water while raining or during freezing conditions to avoid loss of water or broken pipes from freezing.
Long-terms plans for landscape water conservation is a must in a North Texas landscape. Plant drought tolerant plants and trees, Install a layer of mulch to slow evaporation and install drip irrigation to efficiently water your homes landscape.
If you’re ready to increase the visual value of your property, give Fallas Landscape a call at 972-517-LAWN(5296). We’re ready to meet all your outdoor living expectations.
