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Westminster Conservation Landscaping Guide
Irrigation
So you know that your landscape is going to need water to grow and stay healthy. But how do you water it, while conserving water?
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Rainwater Harvesting
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Use a rain barrel or two to store water from you guteer downspouts. This water would ordinarily end up in the street or in the patch of grass right at the end of your downspout. With a rain barrel, you can store that water for use where you really need it. Learn more about how rainwater harvesting works here. |
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Direct Application
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Apply water directly at the soil and root zone, where plants need it most. With this method, water goes only where it is needed. Examples include drip irrigation, and bubblers. Learn more. |
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Avoid overspray
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Water that falls on impervious surfaces, like driveways and sidewalks, is wasted water that still costs the consumer as much as the water that falls on plants. This water usually ends up in the street, or evaporating on the surface. |
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Water early
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Early morning, between sunrise and 9am, is the best time to water. Evaporation is lowest, and there is less risk of disease from water on plant leaves sitting overnight. Plants will also have water readily available to them during the heat of the afternoon. |
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Prioritize
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Position you most sensitive plants where they are easy to water, and water them first. Know which of your plants can survive dry periods, and which ones go dormant when stressed. Dormant plants will normally recover once the stress subsides. |
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Timing
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Don't water your landscape when mother nature has already provided enough. In general, if you have received at least one inch of rain in a week, you don't need to water. IF you have an automatic system, make sure it has a rain sensor so it doesn't come on when not needed. |
As you can see, there is nothing revolutionary, or really scientific here-just common sense. Remember, you're getting billed for that water whether you use it efficiently or waste it. So why not save yourself a little money?
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