Water for Life

The Moisture Needs of Plants
Landscape professionals generally agree that most landscaping receives more water than is necessary. In water shortage periods, you should water only enough to keep grasses and plant material alive. You can, in part, accomplish this by a process called hardening off. This means to gradually extend the length of time between waterings. Over a period of months, the plants have a tendency to require less water and become more drought resistant.

Watering: When and How Much?
Obviously, this depends on the type of plant material and the soil conditions. When your lawn turns a dull gray green and loses its resiliency, it is approaching a water stressed condition and should be irrigated. Many shrubs will droop as they approach an absolute need for water.

The objective of efficient irrigation is to provide water only to the soil surrounding the root area of the plant. To accomplish this, do not apply water more rapidly than the soil can absorb it. At the very first sign of saturation or runoff turn the water off and allow it to soak in for an hour or two before repeating the cycle.

As a general rule, established shrubbery requires far less water than turf areas (grass) for stress maintenance. In most cases, once a week should be sufficient, less often if plants are properly hardened off. Water only when signs of stress appear.

All watering with sprinklers should be done at night or during early morning hours when wind and evaporation factors are at their lowest point. Do not water during the heat of day. Unlike sprinklers, drip irrigation may be used during the day with minimal loss due to evaporation.

Western Washington Lawn Watering Guide.

Here's a simple way to determine your lawn watering needs:

1. Place five or more flat bottom cans (tuna can) or coffee mugs randomly around your lawn.
2. Turn on your sprinkler(s) for I5 minutes.

3. Measure the depth of the water in each can with a ruler to determine the average water depth in the cans.

4. Refer to the following chart and read the number of minutes you should water, every third day. Record times for future reference.

*Minutes you should water, every third day.

Reminders: Use this chart as a guide only, and alter your watering to climatic conditions. Decrease watering times and frequencies during cool and/or humid weather. Skip at least one scheduled watering after any substantial rainfall.

Planting a New Lawn
Considering a new lawn? If a lawn is planted correctly, from the beginning, watering it in the summertime will not be as costly or as necessary as it is for poorly-prepared lawns. Below are a few guidelines to consider for healthy lawns.

When to Plant?
In Western Washington, the ideal time to seed a new lawn is April or May.

Drainage

• A lawn that slopes 6 inches per 100 feet is satisfactory for draining water away from the house.

Soil & Seedbed

• The ideal soil texture for a healthy lawn is
  a sandy loam (that contains 60 to 70% sand and 30 to 40% combined silt and clay.)

• Peat moss, sawdust, straw or other composted materials can be mixed into the top soil. Till any organic matter into the surface a minimum of 4-6 inches.

• Before adding any fertilizers, have the soil tested to determine what is needed. Mix any fertilizers into the upper 4-6 inches of soil.

• Rake away clods and rocks to make a smooth, fine seedbed.

• Roll the seedbed until it's smooth and firm. .Thoroughly water the area to ensure settling and reveal low spots.

• Re-rake and roll, and loosen Y2 inch of surface soil.

Seeding

• Spread one-half of seed in one direction and then spread the other half perpendicular to first seeding.

• If spreading by hand, make sure it's a still day. .Slightly rake in seed to ensure good contact with the seedbed.

• Seed should never be covered with more than ~ inch of soil or mulch.

Watering

• Until grass is up, keep the seedbed evenly moist.

(Information on growing a healthy lawn was selected from materials published by Washington State University)

Right Plant, Right Place
Planting a water-wise garden is a great way to save water with your landscape. Below are considerations when selecting the appropriate plant for the best locale in your garden.

• Find out what kind of soil you have.
  Making improvements to the soil will broaden the varieties of plants you can choose from. It can also improve your plants' health and water-efficiency. Consult a nursery or landscape professional on how you can make soil improvements.

• Plant "like" plants together
  Grouping plants that need less or more water together is one way to be water-wise so you don't over- or under-water.

• Consider the growing conditions.
  Do you have a polluted atmosphere? Is wind a factor in your garden? How much shade is there: All these and more need to be considered when picking the right plant.

• What type of plants do you want?
  Is the plant you chose for your garden a climber? Is it a ground cover? What about a hedge? Some of these plants require more or less water than others...find out from your local nursery or landscape professionl which ones are water-wise

SUN/SHADE RECOMMENDATIONS
Full sun. This means that the plant must receive sun during all, or almost all of the day during the summertime.

Partial shade. There are two kinds of 'partial shade'--that which is in sun most of the time with a little shade, and that which is in the shade most of the time with a little sun. Usually tags will identify these with a sun/shade graphic.

Full shade. These plants do well without any direct sunlight.

PLANT TYPES
Tender. Means that the plant will be damaged or die from frost.

Half-hardy. When temperatures drop below freezing, some damage will occur. In very cold weather, all growth above ground level will perish.

Slightly tender. In very cold weather the plant may incur a little damage but probably won't die.

Hardy. This plant needs no special protection (unless there are unusually long periods of freezing weather.)

Proper Planting
After you've carefully planned your water-wise landscape, you will begin planting. Just as important as selecting the perfect plant for the ideal location, is proper handling and planting technique. Careful planting will ensure that the plants root properly. Following are a few guidelines to follow when planting.

• Keep the root system moist until you begin plating

• Soak the roots in water before planting

• Be sure to remove all strings, twine, and paper mache before planting

• Dig your hole large enough to accommodate the entire root system

• Place the plant in the hole at the same level, or slightly higher, as it was planted at the nursery

• Spread the roots gently

• If the roots are woody, cut or slash them lightly

• Backfill using native soil

• Construct a basin to retain water

• Water immediately after planting
  

Other Ways to Save Water: At Home and at Work

• Collect rain water in barrels and cisterns

• Save the water used while hot water warms up

• Sweep your sidewalk-don't use your hose

• Use faucets at less then full pressure

• Scrape your dirty dishes rather than running a pre-rinse cycle

• Prompltly fix leaking toilets/faucets

• Take shorter showers

• Run washing machine and dishwasher with only full loads

• Install water-saving showerheads, faucets, and toilets

• Turn off the water while brushing your teth and shaving

• Flush your toilet every other use

The information and recommendations in this website represent the WSNLA's best advice based on available information. We encourage you to learn more about water-wise landscaping. Please contact your local landscape professional.