3 Ways to Save Water in the Landscape

Winner of Sonoma County Water Awareness Contest for 3rd and 4th Graders

Simple Irrigation Fixes That Can Save $$$$

Consider this first: 80% of plant problems are due to over-watering.  (Source Sunset Magazine)

Gardeners’ Guild saved a residential community client 53% off their water bill by rigorous monitoring of their system and simple repairs.

• Fixing Irrigation Leaks and Breaks*
• Capping irrigation in places that didn’t require watering
• Consistent monitoring

Make sure you are not wasting water due to leaks!  Here are some facts about leaks:

• Drip irrigation is efficient when it is not leaky.  If an emitter gets chopped, tubing can get punctured and valves can get stuck open.
• A system that has a leak of 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
• Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot.  It it leaks while you run your hose, replace the hose washer to ensure a tight connection.

If you have a high water bill and suspect it is due to a leak, consult with certified irrigation professionals like Gardeners’ Guild.  We have a team of experts who know precisely where to look.  Whether it’s your residence or a commercial building call us even if you have a question.

Irrigation improvements will also make a difference

• For ground cover and shrubs – convert from spray irrigation to drip.
• For turfgrass – convert to high efficiency nozzles.  Turn your standard spray head into a precision device.  It will reduce runoff and save you money.
• Automatic rain shutoff device; called a rain sensor, will shut off your irrigation system when it senses a specified amount of rain has fallen.  It is simple and inexpensive.
• Smart or weather based irrigation controllers will save you upwards of 30% off your water bill. They calculate plant water requirements using on site or remote weather stations.

Cultural Practices

• Remove all or some of your turfgrass and replace with drought tolerant plants or natives.
• Is your lawn compacted?  This impedes the soil from absorbing water.  Aeration and dethatching will reduce the amount of water your lawn needs.
• You can mow less.  Allow it to grow out as seasonally appropriate.  It will lessen heat exposure to soil, producing deeper roots and providing a larger soil reservoir to draw from.
• Mulch your planter beds.  This will increase their water holding capacity.
• Organic products make your soil healthier and it will hold more water.