Governor Schwarzenegger Declares Drought Conditions, and Renews Call for California Residents To Use Water More Efficiently in Their Garden and Landscapes This Summer AZUSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the face of below-average rainfall, very low snowmelt runoff and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s declaration of statewide drought conditions, California residents are now being called upon to reduce their water usage. As State officials take immediate action to address California’s water situation, homeowners are being asked to do their part by using water more efficiently both inside and outside the home. Rain Bird, the world’s leading manufacturer of irrigation products, is helping homeowners by providing a few watering tips that homeowners can apply to use water more efficiently and effectively in their gardens and landscapes this summer. Water In Short Cycles. The greatest waste of water comes from watering your lawn too much, too often. When too much water is applied to landscapes, most of the water is never absorbed into the ground. Instead of watering for one long period of time, turn your sprinklers on for several short time periods, allowing the roots to absorb the water, and eliminating run-off. Reset The Lawn Mower. Allow grass to grow longer by setting your mower on the highest height setting. Longer grass will provide more shade for the soil and roots and keep the soil moist for a longer period of time. Time Your Watering. Make sure you turn on your sprinklers at the appropriate time – between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM – when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Watering your landscape in late morning and mid-day is much less efficient, as irrigation water will be lost due to evaporation from wind or the sun. Watering in the evening is not recommended either because standing water on grass and leaves create the perfect breeding ground for fungus and mosquitoes. By watering in the morning, leaves and turf have a chance to dry out during the day. Drip It. When it comes to keeping individual trees, flowerbeds, potted plants or non-grassy areas healthy, drip irrigation will put water directly at the root system. When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers, or other non-turf areas, consider applying water directly to the roots using low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff, and will help prevent unwanted weeds from growing. Mulch It Good. A great way to conserve water and help plants stay healthy is to spread mulch in shrub beds, tree rings and flower gardens. Mulch, also known as "top dressing," is a protective covering that is placed around the base of plants, preventing evaporation and weed growth. Mulching helps drainage, encourages root development, improves soil by making nutrients more available to plants and cools the soil - reducing water use during hot summer months. Only Water What Grows. Sprinklers should be regularly checked to ensure that they water grass and plants, not sidewalks and driveways. A well-adjusted sprinkler will spray large droplets of water, and not a fine mist, which minimizes water lost to evaporation and wind drift.
