Weathering an Unpredictable Drought period.
We aren’t out of the woods yet! Even though we have been blessed with some snow and cold weather in early May, the mountain water shed reservoirs, which are the source of our water, are still below normal levels. Not knowing how the snow melt might raise these levels, Willows Water District, who buys water from Denver Water, is only allowing residential customers to water 2 x a week. Lawn watering is not allowed between 10 am and 6 pm. Single-family residences with odd number addresses can water on Sat./Wens. and even number addresses can water on Sun./Thurs.
The first thing to know is not to panic!! Here are some ways on how to scale down water usage and preserve the landscape that you have during the hot summer months:
* Water less in the cool spring and fall weather, then increase applications in the hot summer months
* Make a commitment to adjust your irrigation controller each month to account for different weather patterns, never set it and forget it.
* Do not use your hose to water down sidewalks and driveways.
* Preserve the high dollar items that add value to your landscape, trees and shrubs. Mature plants need a deep watering every two weeks.
* Mulch trees, shrubs and perennial plants with 2-4” of organic mulch.
*You can get by with training your grass to get watered twice a week. Only water turf when footprints or mower wheel tracts become visible or the grass turns a bluish-grey color.
* Use ‘Wetting Agents’ on turf like ‘Revive’, or ‘Basic-H’, a product that Shaklee sells, it opens pore spaces so that water can get to roots. Revive is sold in many places but check the Internet for a “Basic-H” distributor.
* If planting perennials or annual flowers, prep the soil well, and use ‘Xeric’ or low water use varieties. Also, consider container gardens that can be hand watered more frequently. If you have a hot sunny area on your patio, try planting a succulent container garden. They can tolerate sun, heat and low water.
The best practice to remember is to water deeper and less frequently and plants will get what they need.
Here are some helpful links for more information on the ‘drought’ and our landscapes: