Freshwater is not an unlimited resource. In some areas, there may be regulations restricting your water use, and even if you do not have these regulations in your area, it is a good idea to keep your water use down in order to reduce environmental impact. Landscaping, of course, can be a huge sink for fresh water. Luckily, there are ways to manage your water use and reduce consumption.
1. Choose your plants wisely.
It's important to plan your landscaping with water demands in mind from the get-go. Pay close attention to the plants you choose. Plants that require consistently moist soil are a poor choice since they will force you to use more water. Instead, choose plants that prefer dryer soil, or that will at least tolerate periods of dryness. Plants that are native to your local area are often best, as they may actually thrive with rainwater only.
When you plant your plants, also make sure you put them closer together over a smaller space. It takes a lot less water to moisten a 10 x 10-foot garden bed than a 15 x 15-foot one.
2. Install drip irrigation.
Watering your plants from overhead is incredibly wasteful. A lot of the water lands on the plants, where it evaporates rather than being used. There's also the issue of over-spray. It's so much more efficient to have a drip irrigation system installed in your landscaping. This type of system applies a little bit of water at a time, directly to the top of the soil. You can even have the irrigation pipes buried in your soil so they release water beneath the surface -- which is even more efficient. A landscaping team that offers water management services can review your options and recommend the best drip irrigation for your needs.
3. Water when it's cool outside.
You should never water your garden beds, or your yard for that matter, in the heat of the day. Most of the water will just evaporate! Instead, water in the early morning or late evening when the sun is low in the sky and temperatures are cooler. If you have a drip irrigation system installed, you may want to put it on a timer so that it kicks on automatically and waters your plants every day. If you choose drought-tolerant plants, you may even be able to set the timer to water every three or four days for greater water savings.
To learn more, contact a company like The Lake Doctors, Inc..
