July 31, 2002—The Associated Landscape Contractors of America has published the following tips for watering commercial landscapes:
- Most established lawns/gardens do not need water more than twice a week.
- Water trees deeply. Use a soaker hose to apply water. Trees and shrubs require less watering if you soak them well.
- Install a drip irrigation system around your trees and shrubs to water more efficiently.
- During the growing season, weekly mowing is ideal for lawn areas. During hot, dry conditions, raise mowing heights to reduce water needs. Grass mowed at two to three inches maintains a deeper root system than grass mowed at one inch.
- Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed. Although fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption.
- When replacing a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 100 gallons of water each year.
- Buy a rain gauge and keep track of how much rain or irrigation water the landscape receives.
- Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water each year.
- Remember that more plants die from over watering than from under watering.
For more information, contact the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
