Water has become the new energy of the future with less fresh water available each year for the growing population. The conservation of this resource utilizes true “xeric” (low water) principles as in traditional xeriscapes.

Nozzles: Nothing can bring home a feeling of “waste” more than seeing water running down the gutters and into the storm drain systems from a sprinkler system that is irrigating inefficiently. Many sprayheads will shoot 2/3 of their water away from the head and land in a constant stream at the end of its arch. The irrigation heads don’t act like rain does. Use a rotator nozzle on a popup head which acts like a fountain that mimics rain and uses fewer gallons per minute each head. The slower rate of water over the area allows the water to percolate into the soil. Slower water application allows more natural, deeper absorption to occur. A rotator nozzle can use 30% less water than conventional sprinkler heads. The rotator nozzle does not spray as high into the air so it is less affected by wind.

Training your turfgrass: Turfgrass can be trained to be very water efficient with a proper watering cycle. Watering deeply and infrequently promotes deep root growth, allowing water to soak deep into the soil: the roots will follow the water for nourishment. Water as deeply as possible until just before the point of runoff so the soil at and below the root level is saturated. Watering infrequently even to the point of stressing the grass a little bit will force deeper root growth. The soil below the turf will hold water for a longer time—it is the surface water that quickly evaporates.