Designing a Low-Water Use Landscape: The Elements
Elements of a Low-Water Landscape
Drought is a fact of life in San Diego County. That’s why water conservation should be a part of every San Diegan’s lifestyle. Living in an area with drought cycles doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy lush and colorful gardens. Dry gardens can be just as attractive as any other type of garden.
Tips for a Water Efficient Garden in San Diego County
Improve the Soil
Improving the soil in your landscape by routinely cultivating the soil in your annual beds and vegetable garden. We recommend incorporating organic matter like compost to improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Planting in native soil helps your shrubs, trees, and native plants establish faster without adding amendments. You may need to add compost if your property has sandy or rocky soil.
Plant in the Right Place
Group plants together with similar watering needs. By planting them together, it ensures that none of them gets too much or too little water. Consider adding xeric plants. Mediterranean and Native Plants such as Euphorbia, manzanita, and yarrow are well adapted to San Diego County. Native and Mediterranean plants require less water and maintenance.
Reduce Lawn Size
Lawns are water hogs; they need an enormous amount of water to stay green and lush. We understand that kids love to play on the lawn, but try to reduce the size if possible. Try alternatives, such as using a tapestry of groundcovers, or consider installing artificial grass.
Keep Weeds at Bay
Control weeds because these intruders steal water that is reserved for the plants you actually want in your landscape. Pull weeds by hand or hoe them out regularly. Pulling weeds out when they’re young makes the job easier. Landscape fabrics and mulches discourage growth.
Upgrade Irrigation System
Add smart controllers. One of the most efficient ways to water plants is with a low-flow irrigation system, like drip irrigation. It also ensures that there’s no runoff or evaporation. Drip systems are also the healthiest for plants because the water penetrates deep into the soil, encouraging plant roots to do the same.
Water Deeply
Watering established plants deeply but infrequently will encourage their roots to grow downward. When the roots grow downward, they will be buffered from the wet-dry cycle, which is typical of the upper soil area.
Irrigate Efficiently
Make sure that you’re watering efficiently. Water your plants only when needed. Water at night because the water is less likely to evaporate. Tighten faucets and avoid runoff and overspray.
Mulch
Adding a thick layer of mulch preserves soil moisture. Mulch not only preserves moisture but can also be used to fill up empty spaces, making individual specimens and group plantings stand out.
Extra Design Tips for a Waterwise Landscape
You can design a waterwise landscape or give us a call and we can build one that will enhance your property in San Diego County.
- Leave more areas unplanted
- Avoid groundcover under seating areas (put gravel instead)
- Use DG (decomposed gravel) instead of lawn grass
- Plant remaining open spaces in your landscape with ornamental plants adapted to arid climates
- Consider adding a water fountain or a dry streambed to give the illusion of a wet garden
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Is your HOA, apartment community, or commercial retail space looking for ways to save money? Conserving water benefits your bottom line and the environment. Westturf Landscape Management Inc. is a pioneer in "Green Landscaping."
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120