Water Management Part II

Continued from last newsletter

By Rick Christensen, Landscape Division Manager

 

In the June issue we discussed the importance of supplemental watering to keep ornamental landscapes healthy, vigorous, and visually appealing.  The best way to accomplish this is through a finely tuned irrigation system, monitored and adjusted by professionals throughout the season.

 

However, irrigation is only one of the many components to keep in mind when approaching your landscape with an eye to sustainability.  From the start, if plant material is selected that is native to our region or at least our weather pattern, there is far less need for supplemental water. 

Maintaining an adequate layer of organic mulch (minimum two inches) reduces evaporation while also suppressing weeds (less need for chemical or hand week control), and supplements soil structure and nutrition.

 

General plant health is improved by selective pruning, fertilization, and pest control.  It is far easier to maintain a healthy plant, which in turn requires less water.

 

Are lush, green, expansive lawns a thing of the past as water restrictions become more common?  Not if we select an eco-lawn made up of selected plants that require less water, no fertilization, fewer mowings, and little or no weed control. 

 

Yes, we will need to modify our definition of what a pleasing landscape looks like.  But the good thing is that each one of these ideas is already in use and your Teufel Landscape representative can help you explore which of these can easily fit into your existing landscape.