Fall in the Garden and Landscape: Smart Water Choices

It's a cooler time in the southern states to work in your garden and perhaps change the landscape water use of your lawn.

Have you considered Drip Irrigation as a smart water choice for the new year ahead?
Drip irrigation is a proven method of providing uniform watering where the plants need it most, and it is easy to install yourself.

Dripline irrigation was initially developed for the agricultural industry and is now gaining acceptance as the best option for water efficient irrigation in landscape applications. There is no overcast water or wind drift.The water is placed right at the roots of the plants where it is needed, and as a result there are less weeds and fungal diseases.(source: Josh Byrne )

Quick Facts...

* People interested in water-wise gardening should consider drip irrigation.
* Odd-shaped and narrow areas are easily irrigated with drip systems.
* Drip irrigation stretches water supplies and may be exempt from water restrictions imposed during drought..
* Drip irrigation equipment is readily available and can easily be installed by do-it-yourselfers.

Drip, or micro-irrigation, technology uses a network of plastic pipes to carry a low flow of water under low pressure to plants. Water is applied much more slowly than with sprinkler irrigation.

Drip irrigation exceeds 90 percent efficiency whereas sprinkler systems are 50 to 70 percent efficient. It is so efficient that many water utilities exempt landscapes irrigated with drip from restrictions during drought. Note that any irrigation system is only as efficient as the watering schedule used. If systems are set to water excessively, any system including drip can waste water.(source: Colorado State)