If the idea of improving landscape irrigation for your property seems scary, fear not! Our Tree Amigos team is here to share helpful tips to keep your property healthy and hydrated for the summer months.
Irrigation is an important part of property maintenance, but it tends to sound more complicated than it is. Irrigation is the process of providing water to your lawn and plants so they can thrive in their environments. This includes finding the right balance of water to keep plants hydrated without oversaturating them.
There are many ways you can improve the irrigation of your property, even if you are a novice. Let’s explore five ways you can get your outdoor space to look its best!
One of the most common questions we get asked is, “How frequently should I water my plants?” While there’s no standard formula, we recommend taking note of the unique care requirements for each plant. Some plants are more resilient than others but almost all require at least 1 inch of water per week.
We suggest watering deeply, which means providing enough water below the surface. Plants that only receive basic watering on the surface will grow roots closer to the top. This can cause the plants to dry out quickly as water on the surface evaporates before they can get enough. In comparison, deep watering allows plants to grow deeper roots that help them withstand drier conditions.
Soil plays a key role in how successful your irrigation is, but not all soil is the same. For example, soil that’s composed of clay can hold water for long periods, whereas sandy soil may not have enough nutrients for plants.
We recommend researching what types of soil you have on your property. This will help you determine if you need to supplement your soil with compost or peat moss, for example. By adding to your soil, you can improve water retention and make sure your plants are getting adequate nutrients to grow.
If you intend to plant but aren’t sure if your soil is sufficient, we suggest choosing native plants. Plants that are local to the area have adapted to its environment. These plants often require minimal additions to the soil because they naturally grow in these spaces. You can check your area’s “plant hardiness zone” to help you find plants that will be resilient to your soil conditions.
If you can, try to plant your greenery according to their similar needs. Grouping plants in relation to their watering requirements can simplify your irrigation process. You’ll be able to water more efficiently, especially if you choose to set up an automatic irrigation system.
You might also consider creating garden beds or borders that you can mulch. Mulching around plants, shrubs and trees is good for many reasons. Not only does the mulch help to retain water but it can also suppress weeds that can draw moisture out of the soil.
Depending on your landscaping requirements, an automated or smart irrigation system may be an option to consider to give your plants the watering they need. These systems can be efficient ways to keep your landscape healthy without the need for fertilizers or insecticides.
But even though these systems are convenient, we still recommend monitoring them to be sure they are working correctly and meeting the needs of your plants.
It’s helpful to have a landscaping professional assess your area for installation and to ensure that your system is well-designed and addresses the requirements of your property. And if you need assistance with landscape irrigation for your property, our Tree Amigos team can help you decide or implement an irrigation plan that suits your needs!
Contact us about our Niagara landscaping design and maintenance services.
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