How to Conserve Water with Landscape Irrigation

CAMPBELL — When it comes to landscape irrigation, Californians have a tendency to overwater plants to the point of twice and even three times the amount of water they actually need. However, under the current drought conditions, this is no longer a luxury we can afford. On the contrary, all landscape irrigation today should be regarded from a “need-based” approach.

This approach involves a complete change in strategy. Rather than watering at the usual tri-weekly intervals, try turning off your automated irrigation controller and waiting for your plants to “speak to you.” Over the ensuing few days, observe them—once they start to wilt, turn on the water. Repeat this process a few more times, taking note of the timeframe in each instance. By observing your plants and gauging the amount of time it takes for them to start wilting, you can establish a more accurate, need-based irrigation schedule.

Don’t worry about letting your plants experience a little bit of stress—they won’t die. More importantly, by recalibrating your irrigation intervals, you stand to reduce your water usage by as much as half, and potentially even more. Seeing as the government has called for a 30 percent statewide reduction in water usage, if everyone implemented this approach in their landscapes, we would far surpass that goal.