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Taking Care Of Home Landscapes During A Hot, Dry
Year
7/12/2008
Linda
Langelo
Horticulture Program Coordinator
Colorado State University
Extension
Golden Plains Area |
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Maintaining home landscapes can be difficult in a year with normal
precipitation, but Colorado's multi-year shortfall of snow and rain, coupled
with yet another dry winter, may make this spring and summer particularly
challenging.
An appropriate and healthy residential landscape can add
value to property and improve air and water quality. In addition, a sizable
percentage of Colorado's Front Range water is used for landscapes, making yards
and gardens an ideal place for voluntary water conservation measures and can
provide an option for water providers to reduce water demand by imposing a
variety of restrictions.
"People who are installing a new landscape or
retrofitting an existing one have an expanded opportunity to use
XeriscapeTM plants and principles to build an attractive yet
water-efficient landscape," said Jim Klett, Colorado State University Extension
horticulturist. "But additional strategies provide homeowners with tools to
conserve water, and spring is an ideal time of year to start. "Klett says
that landscapes become more water efficient when design and technical
principles are combined.
During a drought, trees should receive the
highest priority for watering because they take years to replace. Newly
transplanted trees are the top priority. Young trees, which usually measure 1
to 7 inches in diameter, have a limited root system and need supplemental water
even during normal precipitation years. Trees growing in a restricted root
zone, such as those in strips between sidewalks and streets, also need higher
priority.
Trees use water best when the water is allowed to soak slowly
into the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Use a deep-root fork or needle,
soaker hose or soft spray wand, or apply water to many locations through a drip
line. To calculate how much water a tree needs, apply 10 gallons of water per
inch of the tree's knee-high diameter. During the fall and winter, water trees
one to two times a month when no lawn watering is allowed. In the spring and
summer when lawns are being watered, water trees every other week or weekly,
depending upon the size of the tree, weather, watering restrictions,
temperature and soil conditions.
Finally, don't fertilize trees that are
stressed because fertilizer salts may burn roots. Adding organic matter to soil
before planting trees and shrubs helps to retain moisture and essential
nutrients, and enlarging mulch beds under trees and shrubs helps soil retain
moisture and reduces the amount of grass in a lawn, which can reduce water
consumption. Use organic mulch, such as woodchips, bark, dried leaves or
evergreen needles. Mulch under trees, shrubs and perennials can reduce water
use by as much as 50 percent compared to the same area if planted in bluegrass.
A 4-inch-deep mulch also reduces heat stress on plants by regulating soil
temperature.
Flower gardens need extra preparation before planting to
optimize water conservation. First, prepare the soil with 1 to 2 inches of
organic matter or compost, and till the ground about 12 inches deep.
Select plants and flowers for landscapes by their specific water and
sunlight needs, and group plants with similar needs together. Use soaker
hoses or drip irrigation in flowerbeds. Hand-watering also maximizes delivery
of water to soil and roots.
Vegetable gardens also need adequate water.
To help reduce vegetable garden water demands, add organic matter to the soil,
use drip irrigation or trickle or soaker hoses, check soil moisture before
applying water to be sure that additional water is needed and mulch between
plants to minimize evaporation.
For more information about landscape
care during a drought, call the local Colorado State University Extension
office, usually listed under the county government section of the local phone
book, or visit http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/GARDEN/07240.htm |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
7/17/2008 |
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