Did you know that winter is the start of tree planting season Trees offer many sustainable benefits such as improved air quality, cooling our city and saving water by slowing down evaporation. If you’re interested in planting a tree and aren’t sure how to get started, visit: www.letsplant.org to find out about climate-appropriate trees you can plant here in Albuquerque!
Landscape water needs begin to drop by mid-August, which is when the irrigation schedule needs to be ramped down. This may seem counter-intuitive because of how hot it is in Albuquerque during August, September and October, but when plants are preparing for the winter, they need less water. For autumn watering recommendations, visit: www.505outside.com.
When warm weather hits, plants need more more water. You can’t help that, but you can maximize efficiency by making sure your irrigation system is working to its potential. We recommend replacing old-fashioned sprinkler heads with Water Sense-approved, pressure-reducing spray heads and high- efficiency rotating nozzles. Rebates are available to help you make the change: https://www.505outside.com/residential-irrigation-efficiency-rebates/ In this month’s edition, in addition to our Plant of the Month and some tips on planting prickly pear, we highlight three of the ten winners of our Albuquerque Desert Friendly Landscape contest. People across the city are making the change to conserve water while cultivating their ideal landscapes. We hope you become inspired to join them!
Just in time for spring, the Water Authority is announcing that its xeriscape rebates are now $2.00 per square foot of turf removed for both residential and commercial customers. Desert-friendly landscapes save water, require less maintenance, and are more appropriate for our arid climate, so the time to get off the lawn is now! Plans must be pre-approved, and certain conditions apply. Rebate requirements can be found at: https://www.abcwua.org/conservation-rebates-residential-commercial-xeriscape-rebates/
Water Utility Authority customers are reminded that spray irrigation is not allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1-Oct. 31 every year. Violators are subject to warnings and fines. Reduce water loss to wind and evaporation by using spray irrigation only in the evening or early morning hours.
This restriction shall not apply to drip irrigation and low precipitation bubblers, hand watering, or watering of containerized plants and plant stock. To report water waste call 842-WATR (9287). To learn more, visit: www.abcwua.org.