Irrigation 101: How to Water Efficiently in San Diego County
Efficient Irrigation
It’s incredible how much water is wasted in Southern California. By practicing efficient watering, you can conserve water. But how much water should you use in San Diego County? Learning about your property’s soil and plants and having the right tools can help guide you in the right direction for water conservation.
Determining How You Should Water
What kind of plants are on your property? Plants with deep roots are better able to withstand periods of drought. A great way to encourage deep rooting is to apply enough water to wet the entire root zone. On the other hand, shallow watering will lead to shallow roots, making plants susceptible to drought.
While deep watering is encouraged, avoid overwatering. Applying too much water means that it will penetrate deeper into the soil than where roots actually grow, leading to wasted water.
Checklist
Organize your landscape into “hydrozones”
“Hydrozoning” refers to grouping plants with similar water, soil, and exposure requirements. When plants are grouped, applying water is more efficient. You can apply more water to thirstier plants and less water to plants with less watering needs.
One way to hydrozone is to separate low-water-use plants, such as California natives, which can thrive on rainfall alone or minimal watering, from high-water users, such as vegetable gardens, lawns, and annual flowers. We recommend maximizing the amount of your garden space to low-water users.
Observe your plants
Look for signs of moisture stress, which can resemble droopy, off-colored foliage.
Examine your soil
Get to know your soil and examine it frequently. Ensure that it’s neither too wet nor too dry between waterings. You can improve soil texture and increase its ability to hold moisture by adding organic matter to new planting areas.
Water deeply
Watering the soil deeply and then allowing it to partially dry again is beneficial. You’ll want to irrigate long enough so that it wets the entire root zone. A good way to ensure that you’re watering deeply is to push a stiff metal rod into the soil after you’ve watered. If the soil is wet, the rod will move easily, and if the soil is too hard, pushing the rod will be more difficult.
Tip: Before you water again, allow the top two inches of soil to dry out.
Avoid runoff
Apply carefully. In other words, don’t water faster than what the soil can absorb. A great way to direct water to plant roots is by building furrows or basins of soil around plants. Basins and terraces can be used to avoid runoff on slopes. You can pulse-irrigate plants on slopes or in clay soil.
Here’s what to do: Apply water until puddles appear. Stop until you see the water is absorbed, then repeat the cycle. Repeat this process until the water has penetrated to the desired depth. We recommend using drop or low-volume irrigation.
Adjust your watering schedule
Adjust as the weather and seasons change. For example, water less often when the weather is cooler and more frequently during hot weather. Irrigate early in the morning, when evaporation is low and the wind is calm.
Adjust automatic controllers according to the weather and seasons. Winter weather means turning sprinklers off altogether, especially during wet periods. Once the weather starts to heat up and it gets windy, increase watering.
Simple Actions Anyone Can Do to Conserve Water
Westturf has you covered for all your commercial irrigation needs in San Diego County. However, homeowners can reduce water consumption. After all, conserving water at home or on property can make a significant difference. Best of all, it only takes a few simple actions.
Here’s what you can do to conserve water at home:
- Fix leaks
- Take quick showers
- Use water-efficient appliances
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Westturf Landscape Management Inc. is a pioneer in "Green Landscaping." We have been helping clients save money with drought-tolerant landscaping options and irrigation services since 1974.
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
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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.
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Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120