411homerepair.com

Drought Management Strategies

by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012

As a concerned gardener, I've been dismayed by recent weather news - the drought plaguing much of the country has become extremely serious! My daughter gardens in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she tells me that the water shortage is so severe there that all new landscaping is prohibited, watering of existing landscapes has been curtailed sharply, and there's a good possibility that all new construction will be banned.

Despite what you may think of global warming theories, the severe drought we're experiencing requires a re-evaluation of our landscape priorities and a revision of our techniques. The following ideas may help save the most important parts of your landscape.

Do not water lightly! When you do water your lawn or ornamentals, run the water long enough to soak deeply into the soil. This will encourage deep rooting, which will, in turn, increase drought hardiness...roots will be down where the soil is cooler and moisture is more plentiful. Frequent, light watering encourages shallow roots that dry out quickly.

If you've been watering shallow and frequently, gradually increase the quantity of water and decrease the frequency. Because of the vast variety of soils, there's no hard and fast rule...but water as infrequently and as deeply as possible.

We should also evaluate our priorities - is a large, lush lawn that important? In areas that are suffering from drought, the decision is already being made by legislation. The rest of us should consider reducing the size of lawn areas, and also allowing existing lawns to go dormant with the heat of the summer.

I can't wait to hear the feedback from that last idea - yes, green will turn to brown, weeds will establish, and the long-time American fascination with the large greensward of turf will suffer. But at what cost do we continue to pour water, chemicals, and time into the luxury of a large, manicured lawn?

Our selection of ornamental plant material should be made in light of the possibility of water shortages. Plants that are native, or related to native, generally will be more drought tolerant. Our techniques for watering these plants should follow the guidelines above regarding frequency and depth. Drip irrigation puts the water right where it's needed, with little or no evaporation.

One of the best techniques for water conservation is mulching. In addition to keeping the moisture from evaporating, mulch provides a slow, steady diet of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. A four-inch leaf mulch will increase a young tree's growth rate by as much as forty percent over the same tree with grass growing against the trunk.

I think it's time for us as gardeners to contribute to healing our ecosystem instead of continuing to squander our limited resources...at least presently, water is in very short supply, and many parts of our country are suffering greatly.

Latest Articles

Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors

Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...

on Mar 22, 2023

What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House

Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...

on Feb 13, 2023

Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation

Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...

on Feb 12, 2023

Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems

In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...

on Feb 2, 2023

What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof

Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...

on Feb 1, 2023

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Know the Code: Building Requirements for Sheds and Garages

Putting up a shed or building a garage can be a fairly straightforward process and an excellent way of acquiring some more storage space. It is...

Builders Associations

How Do You Choose a Heater for Your Home?

Buying a furnace is not something you can do randomly. You will need to make sure that it would fit perfectly in your home. If you don't buy the...

HVAC / Air Conditioning

Thinking About Building or Remodeling?

While exciting, getting a big project underway can be a headache without the right preparation. Nobody wants to come up with the perfect building...

Hire Contractors / Estimates

DIY How to Repair Water Heaters

Not having enough hot water or any hot water at all can be a major problem around your home. Taking a shower or doing the dishes in cold water is...

HVAC / Air Conditioning

Common Myths Behind Buying a House

Whether you are considering purchasing a home or are already well into your house hunting journey, buying Real Estate is surrounded by a multitude...

Real Estate / Finance

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2023