How to Protect Your Yard During a Drought

How to Protect Your Yard During a Drought
You can use these tips during non-drought times to save water.
By Josh Peterson
Los Angeles, CA, USA | Wed Mar 18 10:30:00 EDT 2009


READ MORE ABOUT:
Composting | Gardening | Green Home | Lawn Care | Water | Water Conservation

Water conservation is important. It is often overlooked as an environmental concern. However, if you live in a dry, arid place like Southern California or Arizona, water conservation issues seem to be at the forefront of everyone's mind.

The California Landscape Contractors Association has released a list of recommendations to help people make the most of their reduced water supply. Following these recommendations will help a yard owner to keep their plants alive during the dry times. You can also use these tips to just save water in general.

CLCA's Tips for Protecting Your Yard.

Water Trees First.

Trees offer shade and protection for the lawn. Trees will reduce the temperature of everything around them, and they are the most expensive thing to replace.


How to Protect Your Trees:
Drill several 4" wide holes about 24"-30" deep around the base of the tree being careful not to damage large roots. Fill the holes with compost, which will allow the water to reach the roots of the tree.

Another option is to put your garden hose on a timed, low drip and get the water down deep. You can also install a temporary drip system tied into a hose bib or use a soaker hose on the surface to slowly water the base of the tree.

How to Prepare for a Drought

Mulch flower and soil beds.
Mow grass higher. 3-3.5 inches is recommended.
Aerate lawn and fill holes with compost.
Don't prune.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers during a drought.
Repair leaks.
Attach a water-efficient spray nozzle to the hose.

How to Maximize Landscape Watering

Water early, before 9 AM.
Set irrigation timer to run only have the normal time. Run a second cycle after a half hour has passed.
Consider a smart controller. This is a device that monitors the weather and waters accordingly.
If you can easily jab a 6 inch screwdriver into your lawn, you can wait a week before watering.


For more tips on how to get the most out of the least amount of water, visit the California Landscape Contractors Association's website.