After this past summer, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief with the return to cooler temperatures and rain. As the days get shorter and the salmon runs return, let\’s not forget the long, hot summer we just experienced. The drought resulted in irrigation water rationing, extremely low river flows, plant stress and more. We all had to make adjustments to deal with this new reality. With the potential for more dry years ahead, now is a good time to take steps toward reducing water use throughout your landscape. Here are some outdoor water saving steps that you can take to prepare for next summer.
- Fix or upgrade irrigation systems and hoses. Large volumes of water are lost due to broken or leaky pipes and equipment. Too much water is used by high flow sprinklers. The off season is a good time for routine maintenance, repairs, and system upgrades, including replacing high flow sprinklers with more efficient sprinkler heads.
- Plant drought tolerant turf or an ecolawn. Green lawns are one of the largest water uses in many households. Fall is a good time to reseed and establish a drought tolerant turf variety or an ecolawn.
- Establish native plants or drought tolerant species. Native plants are adapted to the unique climate, precipitation, soils and pests of their region. After establishment, they require little water or maintenance to thrive.
- Mulch, mulch, mulch. Covering the soil with mulch (whether bark, straw, or newspaper) protects soils from erosion, improves water infiltration, moderates soil temperatures, and improves water retention in the soil.
- Hydrozone. Cluster species with similar water requirements together in your landscape. This will make watering easier and more efficient. It will also allow you to create and/or automate an effective irrigation system.
- Automate. Automating your outdoor irrigation system can increase efficiency by allowing you to easily water at the optimal times of day and for the ideal length of time. After your system is in place, be sure to monitor soil moisture to determine if you need to irrigate. And remember, you don’t need to irrigate when it’s raining!
- Plan. Winter is a good time to make new plans for your garden and irrigation systems. Taking the time to talk to an irrigation specialist and other landscaping experts can help you increase your water efficiency while creating a landscape that you will love.
If we all work together, our precious water resources can be sustained long into the future. If you would like more information or have other resource questions about your property, we can help! The Hood River SWCD is also a great source for native plants. Contact Kris or call (541) 386-4588 for more information.
