Seasonal Update
What’s happening in the landscape?
The intense, unrelenting heat of summer can take its toll on the landscape. Normally we depend upon the summer monsoon season to deliver moist relief after the ravaging winds and drying dust storms that precede these weather events. This cool rain is considered a due reward for desert inhabitants after enduring the long hot spell of scorching sun and heat.
Times of drought, like we have experienced for over a decade, reduces the much needed rain for the landscape. More irrigation water is then required to meet the needs of the plants and to help the landscape recover from the summer season.
Our urban landscape environment may typically be made up of a mixed plant palette of; Sonoran native, desert adapted, canyon riparian, tropical, and even imported exotic plant varieties. This kind of mix of plants with differing water needs can present an ongoing maintenance challenge.
Ideally, plants are zoned and given separate valves based generally on like needs. Irrigation systems may be weather based, equipped with rain sensors, have excess flow shut offs and the like. Reflected heat, sun exposure, shade, wind direction, and micro-climates all factor in for plant water requirements. Even the best irrigation design and installation may fall short of balancing the variances in actual delivery. All of this technology does not replace the observant, trained personnel who provide the routine care.
Rain water harvesting can be achieved by contouring the soil grade and creating areas for puddles that capture rainwater where it falls and retains water for the benefit and uptake of the landscape. These basins can be top dressed with bark mulch to moderate fluctuations in soil temperature, slow the moisture loss, improve plant health, and save additional water.
The end of summer brings an opportunity to assess the landscape and to determine where replace plants should be installed and consider changes in the plant varieties if the location conditions are not conducive to that plant thriving in the same place. September and October are generally good months to install new trees. Trees are better equipped to become well establish going into the cooler season but prior to colder nights. The water demand is less for transplanted trees as we move out of the hot dry season.
It is important to select a high quality landscape service provider, to have confidence knowing your landscaper works to protect your investment and provides recommendations that can add value and lasting beauty for your outdoor living environment.
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