Sun + Water + You = Landscape Success

Let's talk about proper irrigation. Bor-ing. I hear you, and I get it. But hold on. Gardening is expensive. We need to protect that investment and ultimately the value of our homes. After siting a plant correctly for sun exposure, proper irrigation for the first two years of establishment is key to the health of the landscape. Yes, two years, not two weeks.

The #1 problem we see in July and August is root rot, initiated by too much water. The #2 problem is overly dry soil surrounding plants that have been installed within two years. These plants just haven't had enough time to develop drought-tolerant capabilities.

Here are the most important tips we share with our clients...
​

• Plants take 2 years to establish within their new environment and become drought tolerant.
• During the establishment period, especially the first few months, the soil should be slightly moist, not powder dry or super muddy.
• Allow the soil to dry out just a bit so roots will go deeper into the ground in search of water. Water deeply a few times a week rather than a little every day. Well-developed root structures help plants survive drought.
• When a plant wilts, dig around first. If the soil is dry, water. If the soil is moist, dial back the irrigation. Wilted leaves coupled with moist soil is a sign of root rot, caused by one or several soil fungi as a result of overly moist soil. Typically, the damage is done during cooler months but the effects are not seen until the stress of summer hits.
• Functional, properly sited rain sensors are required, never an option.

Believe it or not, landscapes without irrigation systems tend to fare better than those with irrigation systems. Clients with systems are more likely to crank it up with little understanding that more water may be doing more harm than good. Muddy soil is a major stressor for most plants. Add extreme heat and now there’s a recipe for failure. 

We encourage our clients to observe their living, breathing landscape regularly by strolling the yard in the evening, digging around on occasion, and adjusting their irrigation practices accordingly. No assumptions about the health of the landscape should be made from afar. Evening strolls are quick, easy, relaxing, and tend to lead to landscape success. You are part of the equation.