Drought Recommendations from the California Landscape Contractors Association

Landscaping is an important part of any community, not only from the joy it brings, but the quality of life that it provides to humans and other species as well. Plants positively alter our environment, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, protect the land, provide us food, create oxygen and sustain life. As our climate changes we need to protect our plants, adapt to our changing environment and make choices that benefit us all and preserve our future.  

The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer some recommendations to help you make smart choices and protect the environment using your area’s mandated water reductions. This advice can help your landscape survive this year’s drought and help you prepare for predicted future water shortages. 

Water Trees First. 

If trees are lost, it increases the surrounding temperature making everything hotter. They are also expensive to replace. Many surrounding plants depend on them, because trees offer shade and protection for some lawns and other plants that may not survive the hot sun without them. In addition, they are often homes, shelter and/or food to birds and animals, which could possibly die if they perish. 

Some Ways to Maximize Water and Help Protect Your Trees:  

Drill several 4" wide holes about 24"-30" deep around the base of the tree being careful not to damage large roots. Fill the holes with compost, which will allow the water to reach the roots of the tree. 

Another option is to put your garden hose on a timed, low drip and get the water down deep. You can also install a temporary drip system tied into a hose bib or use a soaker hose on the surface to slowly water the base of the tree.

What Can I Do Now to Prepare for the Drought?  

Mulch heavily all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.

Mow grass (Fescue, Rye, Kentucky Blue Grass) higher—3"-3.5" to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture.  

Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.

If you intend to prune, do so before April or don’t prune. Pruning stimulates growth, which needs more water. Existing growth will also provide additional shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture.

Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.

Fix or replace any broken sprinklers and repair leaks.

Keep your lawn as healthy as possible. A healthy lawn will survive better.  Many lawns can go very dry and still come back. 

Attach a water efficient spray nozzle to your hose and use it to mist your lawn to build up humidity for a few minutes at the end of the day. Check with your local water agency for possible rebates on low water usage irrigation products.

For additional information about saving water, please go to www.clca.org/clca/about/waterWise.php.