Watering the landscape here in Idaho can be tricky this time of year.
First, the weather is hot. In fact, temperatures in the Northwest U.S. are trending warmer and drier than normal, according to AccuWeather’s summer weather outlook. And those warm temperatures are hitting faster this year compared to last year.
Any Idaho homeowner might feel this sweltering heat and take shelter under a patio umbrella or protect their eyes from the consistent bright sun with some cool shades. But their plants don’t have the same luxury. They must stand there and take in the increasingly dry heat and sunny spotlight.
Plants Are Like People
Just like we begin to sweat or feel tired in the heat when we don’t have adequate water or we can’t rest in the shade, our landscape plants also show signs of stress when the temperatures rise. They can brown and sag their leaves or look dry and wilty.
We can help relieve our plants from heat exhaustion with proper care, including the right amount of water. Notice, we didn’t just say water; we said the right amount of water. Let me explain.
Any time we see a sagging plant, our natural instinct is to give it water. But sometimes plants can show very similar symptoms, such as brown or wilting leaves—whether they are being under-watered or overwatered. So what’s a homeowner to do when they don’t know what their plants need or how to better their irrigation?
A Smart Time To Water Smart
Knowing your plants and soil type is important when watering. And now, during July and August—the hottest months of the year—thinking about cost-effective landscape water use is becoming more and more important.
According to the Irrigation Association, July is the month when more water is used in the U.S. than during any other month. Additionally, it is Smart Irrigation Month, which is a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. Using water wisely not only nurtures your thirsty plants, but also saves money on your utility bills, protects your community’s water supply and helps keep property taxes in check.
Using a professionally installed irrigation system is one of the best ways to keep your lawn and landscape beautiful and healthy, while minimizing water waste. Using the right techniques and tools, including smart controls, efficient water delivery systems and rain sensors, ensures your plants receive just the right amount of water especially during the hottest months of the year.
Outback's Commitment To Irrigation
The irrigation systems Outback Landscape installs include sophisticated controllers and parts that allow you to easily adjust watering schedules to fit different needs.
Once we install a system, we help you understand the controls so you become comfortable using them. You should adapt your watering schedule for each season based on local weather conditions. Watering timing is also crucial. For instance, watering during the heat of the day vs. the early morning hours can cause water losses of up to 30% due to evaporation. This can be tough to keep track of…but we’re here to help you manage your water more effectively!
If your plants aren’t looking their best in the July heat or you have questions about your irrigation system, contact us anytime at (208) 656-3220 for a free consultation. We can help you better your irrigation and save water in the process!
Image credit: jiggoja