Water is one of our planet’s most precious resources. Freshwater, which we all use to add moisture to our yards and properties during the summer months, makes up only 3% of the world’s overall water supply, and there is plenty of stress on its use. Working to save as much water as you can helps save the environment, and is just plain responsible.
As a reminder that water is a finite resource, the City of Calgary has launched the YardSmart program, which encourages property owners to employ different techniques to reduce their use of water, yet still get the growth and proliferation results they want from their garden.
To start, YardSmart advises homeowners to map out their yard, making note of areas of sun, shade, dry and wet.
- Use your map to group plants that need less water together.
- Place plants that need more water together at the bottom of slopes where water will run down.
- Plant native species and hardy, water-friendly plants suitable to your planting zones.
- Consider a meadow in areas that aren’t used as much.
- Reduce your lawn area by replacing grass with xeriscaping, stonework, retaining walls, or low water-use shrubs, trees, and groundcover.
- Use mulch to help reduce evaporation and run-off.
- Build a rain garden in a low-lying area of your yard.
- Install a rain barrel to catch precipitation, which can be fitted with a hose for easy (and free) watering. Plants actually prefer rainwater over tap water, as it contains more nitrogen and oxygen.
- Use a soil moisture meter to fully understand exactly how much water each area of your yard is getting and whether it is too much or too little.
- Increase the amount of topsoil in your garden. This allows soil to retain moisture much longer and roots to penetrate more deeply.
- Do not plant in hot, dry weather as it causes stress to the plant and can increase its demands for water.
- Check to ensure your outdoor faucets and hoses are not leaking anywhere.
- Add a low-flow aerator to your outdoor faucet.
While carrying out these tasks, be sure to explain to your children what you are doing and why. This will teach them that water is important and should never be wasted, plus instill them with knowledge about how to properly care for plants, shrubs, and trees. The more that upcoming generations understand about how essential a supply of safe freshwater is for the health and continuity of our planet, the better it is for everyone.
When do you know that water is needed?
Visual cues that will let you know that your gardens and lawns need water before any long-term damage has been done include:
- Wilting leaves
- Plant seemingly reaching for the ground
- Dry soil near base of plant
- Soil that appears dusty and is easily blown away from the palm of your hand
- A low reading on a moisture meter
- Potted plants that are much lighter to pick up than usual
Underground irrigation saves money and water
Outdoor watering can increase a home’s water use from between 30% and 40% in the summer months. Using less water can make a big difference in your monthly water bill … potentially even enough to allow for an extra-special vacation.
An underground irrigation system delivers less water more efficiently, meaning your property will look great for less time, effort and cash.
Modern underground irrigation systems are installed with sophisticated control units that can be programmed to deliver a set amount of water at a specific time. Systems can be designed with a number of different zones that use different types of sprinklers to more effectively deliver water.
Mirage Landscaping has the expertise to install your underground irrigation system and the equipment to get the job done right. Nothing guarantees the healthy future of your lawn quite like an underground irrigation system that delivers consistent, accurate watering. Mirage Landscaping will map out your property and identify the correct number (and type) of zones required for full coverage and even water application for your lawn and garden beds. Once your system is mapped and installed, we will take the time to ensure you fully understand how your irrigation system works for optimal performance.
Always water in the early morning when the air is cooler, which means that less water will evaporate before it has a chance to seep into the soil. There is also usually less wind to blow the droplets around. The best times are from 4 to 10 a.m.
Landscape construction and maintenance services from Mirage
Mirage Landscaping is a full-service landscape construction and property maintenance company that has the expertise, equipment, and talent to take on any commercial or residential property improvement project. Over our three generations in business we have amassed a skilled staff of loyal landscape construction professionals who are truly dedicated to their craft and work towards the very best outcome, every time.
Our knowledgeable masons, woodworkers, and brick workers can design and build anything made out of wood, concrete, brick, or stones. Our work is always 100% guaranteed, no matter what, as we are completely confident in our ability to complete projects to the finest standard you’ll see in Calgary. View our portfolio for examples of what we can do and contact us to get started dreaming.
