Every drop of water counts for your thirsty landscape and your water bill! The heat and high temperatures of the summer can stress your new as well as your established landscape, making it susceptible to pests and diseases. Keeping your landscape healthy and in top condition through this difficult time reinforces the health of your investment.

Smart Watering Tips for Plants

• When watering a plant or tree with a hose, we recommend removing the spray nozzle and let water slowly soak into the roots; or use a soaker hose to ensure your plants roots are getting the amount of water they need.
  
  
• During extreme hot and dry periods, inspect your plants daily and provide water when they show the first signs of wilting or looking "thirsty".
  
  
• Water only as needed! Plants can have very different watering needs. Some plants require a lot of water, while others are drought tolerant and need very little water to survive. Determine the type of plants you have, and the plants' water needs.
  
  
• Remember plants roots are where they absorb water best. Make sure you are applying water to the soil and not focusing on the leaves. One common problem that arises by focusing on a plant’s leaves, is wetting leaves in the evening causing fungal problems to develop.
  
  
• The best time to water your plants is in the early morning or late afternoon so the sun doesn't evaporate the moisture.
  
  
• Installing drip irrigation, or converting a sprinkler system with spray heads to a slow drip irrigation zone, helps to conserve water by applying the water directly to the plant's root system.
  
  
• Applying 2" of shredded mulch around the base of your plants, will help conserve water and act as a shelter, keeping the roots cool and moist.
  
  
• Use a Gator watering bag for trees. A watering bag holds 10-15 gallons of water and slowly delivers into the root zone.

Tips for Watering Your Lawn

• Water for deep soil saturation. It is better to water longer periods less frequently, than water lightly more frequently. The goal is to encourage deep root growth Watering lightly will only keep the roots closer to the surface and weaken the grass. For stronger grass, water until the soil is saturated 1”.
  
  
• Early morning watering is optimal for your lawn’s health. Watering when the sun is high in the sky allows the water to evaporate before the soil or the roots of the plant can absorb it. Watering in the evening encourages fungal growth due to wet grass blades after the sun goes down.
  
  
• Lawns normally require deep watering 2-3 times a week during dry periods. Daily watering is not recommended.
  
  
• Inspect where your sprinklers are disbursing water. Are you watering the street or your driveway just as much as your lawn? Sustainability means conservation as well. This may mean using a smaller sprinkler and moving it around your lawn. Or, if you have an in-ground system, you may need to adjust or change the location or types of spray heads. Either way, your water bill will decrease and you will have conserved resources.