Saving Water in Your Landscape

There’s no question that plants need some amount of water, however small, to survive. While it does rain in Bakersfield, it’s not very often and not very much, making it that much more important to keep an eye on how much water you’re using to maintain your landscape. So if you do want to be water conscious in your landscape design, here are a few tips from the experts at Kern Turf Supply.

Our team supplies a variety of irrigation supplies and landscaping materials for both home and business owners. If you’re looking for innovation in your landscape, find some of the best products available that will help you create a space that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

Automatic Shutoff Device

It can sometimes be a fine line between too little water and over watering. An automatic shutoff device will turn off when a specified amount of water has fallen. Tell it the time of day to run and how long it should be on for and you don’t have to worry any longer about overwatering. These systems are easy to install and relatively inexpensive, so it’s easy to save money and water.

Use a Smart Controller

Taking the automatic devices a step further, these systems can be a bit more expensive, but can reduce your water bill by up to 40 percent by integrating with sensors, weather forecasts, and plant-care databases. Give your landscape exactly what it needs without having to look at the weather or research what care your plants need.

Use a Rain Barrel

Not only is rain barrel water better for your plants, it’s free! Rainwater doesn’t have any salts, inorganic ions, and it’s free of fluoride compounds that can eventually harm the plant’s roots. Simply put the barrel below any rain gutters and when it does finally rain in Bakersfield, it will collect and you can distribute the water throughout your landscape. With irrigation supplies from Kern Turf Supply, it will be easy to save water and hydrate your plants.

Drought-Tolerant Plants

One of the hardest parts of designing a landscape is knowing which plants can thrive in dry, hot climates. Plants such as white fir, yucca, or sage don’t require as much water in the first place, so you will use less without really having to try. Ask the professionals at Kern Turf for more drought-tolerant plants that will fit your style.

Mulch

Spread a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch that will protect the soil and the plant’s roots from heat. With organic mulch, the nutrients will spread from the material into the soil, benefiting both the plant’s health and your water levels.

Know the Signs of Water Stress

Whether it’s over watering or under watering, the plants will show you what they need, it’s just a matter of being able to speak their language. Learn the signs and then dig a small hole in the dirt to inspect how dry or moist it is.

Install a Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation supplies can go a long way in helping you save water, it’s just a matter of getting the right system and having it installed correctly. These systems will deliver the water directly to the roots, instead of spraying the water around when a sprinkler is used. Depending on your landscape, you can save up to 30,000 gallons per year of water.

If you want to save water and have a beautiful landscape, get in touch with Kern Turf Supply for high-quality, innovative irrigation supplies.