How to Save Money on Landscape Watering in Phoenix
Maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape requires a lot of water besides time and effort.
Maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape requires a lot of water besides time and effort. Water is a precious commodity, and with the increasing water shortage in Phoenix, especially during the hot months, water conservation becomes essential. Improper landscape watering techniques can lead to hefty water bills and significant environmental damage, which is concerning for modern homeowners.
Here are a few things homeowners can do to conserve valuable water and lower the cost while watering the landscape:
Use smart irrigation technology
There has been a significant technological advancement when it comes to irrigation systems. Consider upgrading to modern smart irrigation systems and installing devices like rain shut-off to water the landscape only when needed to prevent damages caused by overwatering. Smart irrigation systems have sensors that create a precise watering schedule based on the weather forecast and landscape conditions. They can be controlled remotely and have timers to shut off the system automatically. A thoughtfully installed irrigation system with precisely placed sprinkler heads dramatically improves watering efficiency and reduces utility bills.
Collect rainwater
Another way to save money on landscape watering is rainwater harvesting. Use rain barrels or other water-saving devices to collect water runoff or seek assistance from a landscape irrigation expert to incorporate a rainwater collection system into the existing irrigation system.
Install drip irrigation
Drip irrigation systems are an excellent alternative to traditional sprinkler systems in Phoenix. They are installed on the soil surface or below ground and deliver water directly to the plant’s root zone at a set rate. This targeted watering system uses less water and prevents weed growth.
Add mulch
Mulch not only beautifies a landscape but also helps in conserving water. A mulch layer keeps the root zone cool, retains soil moisture, reduces water loss due to evaporation, and controls weeds. In addition, when installed correctly and to the appropriate depth, mulch will allow the soil to soak rainwater more efficiently, and the irrigation system will use less water, thereby saving money.
Re-design the landscape
A homeowner can consider re-designing the landscape with water efficiency in mind. For example, consider artificial turf or a drought-resistant ground cover (native grasses), reduce the lawn size, install hardscape features like a patio, choose drought-resistant, native, and perennial plants, and mow grass to the correct height to significantly reduce the outdoor water use and save money.
Water at the right time
Homeowners should pay attention to the time of the day when watering the plants. Early morning is usually the best time to water plants because the soil has enough time to soak in the moisture, more water reaches the root zone due to low wind velocity, and the water won’t evaporate due to the sun’s heat.
Schedule regular irrigation system inspection and maintenance
Do not wait for the irrigation system to develop issues or break down completely to call professionals. Call the technicians to inspect and maintain the irrigation system periodically and ensure timely repairs to save water and money.
Some other ways to save money on landscape watering include choosing water-saving containers, recycling household water, fixing outdoor leaks promptly, and opting for a water audit.
These are a few ways to improve the landscape watering efficiency and save money without compromising its health and beauty. Consult a local irrigation expert in Phoenix for more.
With over 10 years of experience in the Peoria, Arizona, area, HS Irrigation and Landscape Lighting offers sprinkler design and installation, irrigation repair and maintenance, drip irrigation, and landscape lighting design and installation. Feel free to call us at 623 292 5478.
