Spring is almost here and many homeowners around Reno are already planning their springtime landscaping. From colorful blooms for fruit-bearing trees and window boxes, there are endless ways to celebrate spring and dress up your yard this year! But with those options comes another powerful reminder that the best landscapes are the ones which use the least amount of water. You don’t have to xeriscape to get a water-friendly yard. As it turns out, there are actually a lot of ways to keep your flower garden healthy and maintain an eco-conscious landscape. Here are a few tips to share for best results this planting season.
Why Care About Water?
Water conservation is a hot-button topic in Northern Nevada. While it’s obvious that water conservation is a smart idea for the Northern Nevada area, the reasons why are not always so obvious. We like to think of water conservation as just one step toward energy conservation, too. This is because energy is used to both treat and pump water through distribution systems to homes throughout Reno. That means there is less wastewater to process at water reclamation facilities. In addition to simply saving resources, it is also important to note that you will see financial savings with reduced water use. Energy is required to run your water heater and other appliances. Using less water allows these appliances to operate without increasing your energy bill.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
The best way to conserve water is simply not to require it in the first place. In addition to your favorites, consider drought-tolerant plants like silver mound artemisia, hardy ice plant, French lavender, butterfly bush, and sedum “Autumn Joy”.
Artificial Grass Installations
Our team also offers a new perspective to water-friendly landscapes: artificial grass installations require no water at all and maintain a lush, green look year-round. That helps you save water – and money! Artificial grass not only saves water but is also durable enough to withstand the changing seasons. It can even be installed next to flower beds or around patios to complete your landscape without the ongoing maintenance or water use of a natural grass lawn.
Water When It’s Cool
Wait for the weather to cool down a bit before turning sprinklers on. For most areas, this will be in the early morning or late evening. This prevents your water from evaporating too quickly, which means you get away with using less water overall.
Watch For Weather
Try not to water when the weather is windy, as this will cause your sprinklers to miss their intended targets. After all, watering the pavement or sidewalks is not the best use of water. Similarly, check the weather report for the week and turn your sprinkler systems off if you see that it is going to rain. This will help save water – and avoids flooding your gardens.
Water Only On Assigned Days
Assigned-Day Watering helps manage water use throughout year. Right now, odd addresses water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Even addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Mondays are reserved to replenish the water system. Please note that drip systems and hand watering are exempt from this rule. Be sure to continue checking in with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority for any changes in the schedule.
Kick off your springtime planting with a whole new look for the backyard! Contact Nevada Artificial Grass in Reno today to learn more about creating a water-efficient landscape right here in Northern Nevada.
