WEEK 5: Water Conversation Tips for Landscaping

WATERING:

· Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation systems. Contact a landscaper to help you.

· Use properly treated wastewater for irrigation where available.

· Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Unless you live in Portland then you hardly have water!

· Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants which require smaller amounts of water more often.

· Make sure those sprinklers are set to water the lawn or garden only and not the street or sidewalk.

· Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.

· Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems.

PLANTING:

· Good soil absorbs water, so have your soil tested for nutrient content and add organic matter if needed.

· Minimize turf areas and use native grasses.

· Use native plants in your landscape - they require less care and water than ornamental varieties.

MAINTAINING:

· Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.

· Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage the movement of water to the root zone.

· Did you know that longer grass blades help shade each other, cut down on evaporation, and inhibit weed growth?

· Minimize or eliminate fertilizing which requires additional watering, and promote new growth which will also need additional watering.

ORNAMENTAL WATER FEATURES:

· Do not install or use ornamental water features unless they recycle the water. Use signs to indicate that water is recycled. Do not operate during a drought.