As warm summer weather morphs into cooler fall days, it’s easy to overlook your commercial landscape’s irrigation needs. However, irrigation system adjustments are essential to a trouble-free fall season. As temperatures drop, your plants’ irrigation needs change. Cooler, dryer autumn air makes regular watering necessary, yet California’s drought and consequent water restrictions complicate plant health care. To keep your property looking its best while managing water consumption, we offer these water management tips heading into fall.
Reduce Water Use with Thoughtful Fall and Winter Landscape Design
Focusing on your fall landscape design offers a highly effective way to reduce irrigation needs and expenses. Autumn is an ideal time to plant, whether starting from scratch or accenting your commercial landscape design with new, sustainable greenery. Remaining soil warmth encourages root growth in fall while cooler air temperatures lessen plants’ water demands. How should you update your landscape design?
- Add or replace ailing plants, trees, and shrubs with native, sustainable solutions – beautiful and diverse options abound!
- Avoid colorful but thirsty annuals, opting instead for hardy native species that flower longer.
- Consider replacing grass with more waterwise alternatives.
- Incorporate natural soil amendments and mulch that support moisture retention.
Perform Commercial Irrigation System Upgrades and Maintenance
Perform an in-depth inspection or schedule an irrigation audit, watching for washed-out soil, indentations in grade, uneven plant and tree growth, and wall and pavement discoloration indicating leakage or overspray. Adjust spray patterns to prevent waste and maximize water use across your landscape. Repair existing leaks. A leak the thickness of a dime wastes thousands of gallons monthly. Replace broken sprinkler heads and drip emitters, repair leaks, and adjust settings for even watering. Consider irrigation system improvements that reduce water use, such as:
- Upgrading to drip irrigation, which offers 95% efficiency compared to 65% for spray systems
- Adding weather monitoring technology that limits irrigation based on rain or soil moisture
- Taking advantage of smart irrigation technology that monitors and measures water use in real-time
- Incorporating leak detection equipment that alerts you when a spike in water usage occurs
Ask our irrigation services professionals about landscape rebates available to maximize your investment.
Manage Runoff and Incorporate Water Storage for Reuse
Clear drainage equipment of leaves and debris and manage downspouts to reduce polluting runoff. Treat your commercial property like a mini watershed. If you’re performing landscape renovations, consider incorporating grading that channels rainwater to plants or adding on-site rainwater storage. Our water conservation experts can integrate curbs or berms to direct water, rain gardens that capture runoff, or larger code-compliant bioswales for long-term water storage and irrigation. One of our many specialties is helping businesses weather the drought and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.
Reduce water use and ensure a green, healthy landscape with these fall water management tips fromGachina Landscape Management. Contact us at 650-853-0400 to schedule a landscape design consultation or irrigation system audit for your San Jose Bay Area, Palo Alto, Burlingame, Pleasanton, Hayward, Fremont, Livermore, or Walnut Creek area property today.
