Saving Water in Your Landscape
Keep It Green With Efficiency
with these water-saving tips
with these water-saving tips
Enjoy a healthy landscape even during low water years. The keys to a thriving garden is understanding how watering practices, organic soils & fertilizers, plant selection, and mulch play a role in creating the right balance to set your plants up for success.
Efficiency not only results in water and money savings, it is best for plants. We've created this quick read to provide you with the top four tips to keep it green with efficiency and to connect you with resources that may offer rebates as incentive.
Efficiency not only results in water and money savings, it is best for plants. We've created this quick read to provide you with the top four tips to keep it green with efficiency and to connect you with resources that may offer rebates as incentive.
BeWaterSmart.info provides easy access to local water agency rebates.
BeWaterSmart.info provides easy access to find your local water provider.
Irrigate Efficiently
Convert to Drip
- Drip irrigation delivers water to exactly where it’s needed, vastly reducing waste.
- Ask us how to permanently or temporarily convert to a drip irrigation system today.
Install Water-Saving Nozzles
- Changing to Hunter MP Rotator sprinkler heads is proven to save water. They water more slowly and evenly with increased efficiency greatly reducing run-off. Changing to MP Rotators results in 30% less water use when compared to traditional spray nozzles.
- In most cases, all you have to do is switch out the nozzle, leaving existing head in place.
Use and Irrigation Timer
- A properly set irrigation clock provides your landscape with the water it needs and not a drop more. Watering during the morning is the optimal time of day to reduce evaporation. This is easy with an irrigation clock. Smart clocks can even be set by satellite to water based on current weather conditions.
- Smart irrigation control is made simple with the Hunter Solar Sync ET. This is an advanced weather sensor that can adjust water times and schedules for your clock based on local, real-time weather conditions.
- Getting a new clock, or need help re-setting your current clock? Ask our knowledgeable staff for help today!
- Be sure to use a nozzle with a shut-off valve to save water as you move from plant to plant.
Test Your System. Plug Leaks and Unnecessary Emitters or Nozzles
- It's easy for leaks go unnoticed so it's a good idea to regularly inspect for leaks. Ask our staff for quick repair solutions.
Check Before Watering
- Did you know that most plants die from too much water, not lack of it? Before watering check the moisture level in the soil.
- Tip: dig down six inches with a hand trowel—if the soil is moist, no need to water.
For the most up to date information on water conservation requirements in your area, visit BeWaterSmart.info.
Organic Fertilizers—Good for Plants, Good for Saving Water
Using organics is beneficial even when water is in great supply. Organic fertilizers are slow release and provide sustained nutrients throughout the season. Avoid synthetics when possible, which encourage rapid water-thirsty growth.
For Plants
Use EB Stone Organics™ Fertilizers
- Slow release.
- Does not compete with plant for moisture because they are not salt-based.
- Organic matter contributes to better soil structure, porosity, etc.
- Contains mycorrhizal fungi which increases the drought tolerance of plants by:
- Absorbing moisture when it’s abundant and storing excess moisture.
- Helping the plant access a greater total volume of soil moisture.
For Lawns
Use Nature’s Green Organic Lawn Fertilizer by E.B. Stone Organics™
- Slow release so it doesn’t encourage rapid, water-thirsty growth.
- Non-burning. May be applied without water.
- Humic Acids may encourage microbial activity, which can enhance moisture in soil.
Plant With These Things In Mind
Plant for Mature Growth
- Consider the mature height & width of plants when making selections. Choosing the proper number of plants for your space reduces water use and lends to a healthier landscape. Healthy plants will thrive and fill in the space once mature—we promise!
Right Plant. Right Place.
- Sacramento is a Mediterranean climate. Plants that are suited for our environment require less water and maintenance. Ask our staff about the many options!
Mulch Looks Great and Saves Water
Benefits of Applying Mulch
- Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your landscape in times of drought.
- A layer of mulch can reduce evaporation from soil by up to 70%.
- Mulch insulates the top layer of soil, keeping temps cooler in the summer leading to happier roots.
- Mulch improves soil quality. It breaks up clay allowing better water and air movement. It also provides nutrients to sandy soil helping with water retention.
Tips for Mulching
- Keep mulch six to 12 inches away from the base of trees and shrubs.
- Apply two to four inches of mulch in all planted areas. Finer mulch should be applied no more than two inches deep. Courser mulch can be applied four inches deep.
