Greenfield Lakes Neighbors

Fall Landscape Tips - 2008

The Town of Gilbert Has Established Some Landscape Tips

Greetings,
Our long-awaited cooler weather has finally arrived, to the relief of people and plants. This is a perfect time to do a little tuning up in our landscapes and a little adjusting to drip and sprinkler system schedules. The attached article will give you simple tips to keep landscapes looking their best while at the same time conserving a little water.
In addition, here is a simple seasonal watering schedule for established plants (in the ground at least 2 years).

Lawn watering:
Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 6 days
Overseeded cool season grass (rye) – 4x per day for first 7-10 days to germinate, then once every 3 days for the next 3 weeks

If trees and shrubs are on the same valve:
Desert Adapted - once every 21 days
High Water Use - once every 10 days

Tree watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 24 days
High Water Use - once every 12 days

Shrub watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 18 days
High Water Use - once every 9 days

Groundcover and vine watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 18 days
High Water Use - once every 8 days

Cacti and succulent watering - once every 28 days

Annuals watering - once every 4-5 days

Wildflower watering – once every 1-2 days to germinate, then once every 3-5 days

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Cathy Rymer
Water Conservation Specialist
Certified Arborist
Town of Gilbert
90 E. Civic Center Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-503-6896
www.ci.gilbert.az.us

Fall Landscape Tips

“Fabulous Fall”– Are You Ready?

Cooler temperatures are just around the corner, reminding us that before long winter will be here. To help you get your landscape in shape for the best gardening season of the year, here are some simple tips from the Town of Gilbert Water Conservation office.

Adjust Your Watering Schedules - Deep, infrequent irrigations are always recommended when applying water to your landscape, but as temperatures cool the interval in-between applications will need to be increased. Dormant Bermuda lawns only need to be watered once a month in the winter. If you have chosen to plant a winter rye lawn, once it is established only apply water once a week. Check the irrigation schedule on the Town of Gilbert water conservation web page below.

Check Your Irrigation System - Emitters may become clogged and irrigation lines can develop leaks. Troubleshooting you system will enable you to replace clogged emitters, or add emitters to plants and trees that need more water as they grow. Lawn sprinklers should be checked to see that even coverage hasn’t been affected by sand or debris in the sprinkler heads.

Apply Mulches - Organic mulches will improve your soil by adding nutrients and slowing moisture loss over your plants’ root zone. They also keep tender roots warmer during the chilly winter months. Keep mulch away from trunks or main stems to avoid suffocation. Organic mulches can be covered with granite if you prefer.

Weed Control - Weeds can compete with other landscape plants for water and nutrients. Remove them by hand or apply safe weed sprays. Follow recommended package labels exactly.

Fertilize Non-Native Plants - A light application of fertilizer is always better than too much. Follow product label recommendations for non-native plants. Broadcast the product over the root zone (not next to the stem or trunk) and water deeply. Native plants usually do not require fertilizers and generally grow better without them.

Pruning – Frosty nights may damage tender foliage on plants like lantana and bougainvillea. Wait until new growth has emerged next spring before you prune away frost-damaged stems. Prune other plants only when necessary. Pruned plants require more water and fertilizer. Blooming is reduced or eliminated when plants are repeatedly shear pruned.

Plant Replacement - If plants have died or seem to be struggling, fall is the perfect time to replace them. This way they have the entire winter season to establish a strong root system before the heat of next summer arrives. Native or desert-adapted plants adjust easily to our soils and climate, and require less water and maintenance.

If you are experiencing high water consumption, contact the Water Conservation office to schedule a free home water audit. 480-503-6098

Be sure to visit the Town of Gilbert Water Conservation web pages for landscaping tips, water wise plants, frequently asked questions and more. http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/water


Cathy Rymer
Water Conservation Specialist
Certified Arborist
Master Gardener