Earth-Kind Water Conservation

1. Earth-Kind Water Conservation

2. Water Saving Principles Earth Kind landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water: • Planning and Design • Appropriate plant selection • Practical turf areas • Soil analysis and preparation • Efficient irrigation • Use of mulches • Appropriate maintenance

3. Landscape Water Conservation Landscape Planning and Design • Creating a water-efficient landscape begins with a well-thought-out landscape design. • The plan should incorporate all other principles and practices of Earth-Kind: • Drought Tolerant Plants • Practical use of turfgrass (1/3) • Soil Preparation • Efficient Irrigation • Use of Mulch

4. Landscape Water Conservation Appropriate Plant Selection • Selecting drought tolerant plants can have a tremendous impact on your ability to save water. • Texas is blessed with an abundance of beautiful native plants which are naturally adapted to the region. Most have lower water demands, fewer pest problems and less fertilizer needs. • Combining Texas natives with well-adapted non-native plants is a key to a beautiful, interesting landscape which conserves water.

5. Landscape Water Conservation Practical Use of Turf • Designing a landscape with the practical use of turf grass can lower your water use and maintenance efforts. • 1/3 of the property is recommended

6. Landscape Water Conservation Soil Analysis and Preparation • To increase plant health and conserve water, incorporate at least 3 inches of compost to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas. • This increases the soil’s ability to absorb and store water in a form available to the plant.

7. Landscape Water Conservation Efficient Irrigation • Irrigation system are for providing supplemental irrigation in the absence of rainfall. • Drip irrigation offers increased watering efficiency and plant performance when compared to sprinkler irrigation. • Replace your sprinkler head in your flower beds with drip irrigation to save water and more effectively irrigate.

8. Landscape Water Conservation Mulch conserves moisture • Use a layer of organic mulch to cover the soil surface around plants. • Significantly reduces moisture evaporation from the soil • Mulch also: • Reduces weed populations • Prevents soil compaction • Moderates soil temperatures • Source of plant nutrients

9. Landscape Water Conservation Proper Watering Techniques • Most of the water applied to lawns and gardens is never absorbed by the plants and put to use. • Some water is lost to runoff by being applied too rapidly, and some water evaporates from exposed, unmulched soil • The greatest waste of water is applying too much too often.

10. Lawn Water Conservation Grass Selection: • Lawns require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. • Carefully select grass according to its intended use, planting location and maintenance requirements. • Planting the lowest water use turfgrass adapted to the region is an effective way to reduce landscape irrigation requirements. • Reduce the size of water-sensitive lawns through the use of patios, decks, shrub beds and groundcovers.

11. Lawn Water Conservation Proper Watering Techniques • Most lawns receive twice as much water as they require for a healthy appearance. • The key to watering lawns is to apply the water deeply and infrequently, creating a deep, well-rooted lawn that efficiently uses water stored in the soil. • To know when to water the lawn, simply observe the grass: • Wilting and discoloration are signs of water stress • Water only when needed and watering thoroughly produces a deep-rooted lawn which is more water efficient and drought enduring.

12. Lawn Water Conservation Efficient Irrigation • An irrigation system provides supplemental water in the absence of rainfall. • The most water is saved by reducing the frequency of lawn irrigation • Lawns can use both sprinkler and drip irrigation systems

13. Lawn Water Conservation Utilize a properly designed irrigation system • Perform an irrigation audit annually to save water • Perform an irrigation checkup monthly to prevent the waste of water • Adjusted sprinkler heads to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways • Adjusted sprinkler heads to spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist • Water in the early morning to avoid excessive waste through evaporation • Use multiple stream rotor heads to save up to 30% on your water use

14. Water Conservation for Trees and Shrubs • Water established trees, shrubs and groundcovers deeply and infrequently. • In the absence of rain, most trees and shrubs benefit from a once-a-month thorough watering during the growing season. • Apply water just inside and a little beyond the drip line, not at the trunk. Use a slowly running hose on the ground and move it around the drip line as each area becomes saturated to a depth of 6 to 10 inches.