Landscape Irrigation
Tips - Landscape does not need the same amount
of irrigation each month. As we look back at how
much irrigation was needed in the past, we can project
the future needs. Sprinkler system programs should
be modified several times during an irrigation season
to reflect watering needs. The easiest way is to
set one watering schedule for spring, one for summer,
and a final schedule for fall.
Here are the numbers - If your lawn needs 1" of
water per week from mid June, July and through August,
mid summer (the amount recommended by the Sod Growers
Association for an attractive lawn planted in good
soil) then spring and fall watering amounts can
be cut in half to only ½" of water per week. Using
this method you can have one program for your system
from the beginning of your irrigation season through
mid June. Create a second program for the mid June
through August time period and finally, revert to
your water saving spring program for September through
mid October when most irrigation needs drop to near
zero.
Remember, your landscape has specific needs. Watering
times may need to be adjusted for your conditions.
Start on the low end and adjust up, if needed. Use
a straight-sided container like a tuna can to measure
the amount of water your system is applying.
Outdoor Watering
- If you have a lawn, chances are this is your
biggest water usage. Typically at least 50% of water
consumed by households is used outdoors. Here are
some tips on outdoor water conservation:
Water your lawn
no more than twice a week according to the Water
Schedule. Your lawn will get accustomed to reduced
watering.
Water after 6 p.m.
or before 10 a.m. to avoid evaporation.
Keep sprinklers
from watering pavement. Position them so that
water lands on the lawn and shrubs.
Cycle your watering
so most of the water gets into the soil. High clay-content
soils absorb water very slowly, so it is necessary
to apply no more water than the ground can absorb.
Over watering does not help your lawn.
Don't water
if it's raining even if it is your day/time
to water. The point is to conserve our water!
Reset your automatic
sprinkler system as the season changes to eliminate
unnecessary watering. Homes with automatic sprinklers
use up to 50 percent more water than manually operated
systems.
Treat brown spots
in the lawn with the hose instead of running
the entire sprinkler system.
Use drip or soaker-type
irrigation for all plantings except turf.
Review the way
you use water on all the areas of your yard
and prioritize your landscaping into high-care zones,
moderate-care zones, and low-care zones. Then water
accordingly. If you have some high priority areas
that you want to keep green, you may need to let
other areas go brown.
Tree and Plant
Care - Visit
www.watersaver.org to get information on proper
tree and plant care throughout drought conditions.
The information on this site is provided by Community
Tree Alliance, which is comprised of tree professionals
from city governments, parks districts, Colorado
State University Cooperative Extensions, not-for-profit
organizations, and Green Industries of Colorado.
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