As the fall progresses, our days shorten dramatically and the
weather cools off. While everyone notices this, not everyone
remembers to turn back their irrigation schedule.
As the fall progresses, our days shorten dramatically and the weather cools off. While everyone notices this, not everyone remembers to turn back their irrigation schedule. This cooler weather and shorter days make for less evaporation and our plants are able to thrive on far less water now than they needed in the heat of the summer. That means lower water bills for you and less water and energy consumed in the city. Here are some general guidelines:
n Consider turning back your irrigation controllers now to about one-half or less of what they were in the summer. Each landscape is different and different areas of your own yard might be wanting even less than 50 percent now.
n Consider turning your controllers completely off in December. Usually, the winter months bring enough cool weather and rain to eliminate the need for irrigation entirely. Naturally, you should watch our weather and your landscape to ensure the vitality of your plants.
n The fall is a great time to plant new plants so that they can get established and have deeper roots in the spring. This will ultimately reduce the amount of water you’ll need to apply when our warm weather returns next year.
n Remember that while your landscape may need some water in the spring, it won’t yet need the full watering that you give it in the summer. Just like you’re tapering off your water use now, start irrigating again gradually in the spring.
Eco-Fact of the Week: The city was very pleased to recently recognize our 2004 Water Heroes. These firms agreed to voluntarily reduce their landscaping water during times of critical water shortages this summer. Without their cooperation, the city may have needed to implement involuntary conservation methods in order to preserve fire safety.
Our many thanks extend to: Alien Technology, Anritsu, Cochrane Plaza Shopping Center, Comcast, Intercon, Morgan Hill Unified School District and South Valley Developers. They are all examples of what makes Morgan Hill a great place to live and work.
Eco-Web Pages of the Week: If you’d like to see a cool water conservation garden to get some ideas for improving your own landscape, visit http://www.thegarden.org/index3.htm .
Anthony Eulo is a program administrator for the City of Morgan Hill who has turned back his irrigation controllers. He welcomes your questions, comments, and thoughts and can be reached at en*****@************ca.gov or 779-7247.
