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.
Maintenance is the word of the month! Prep for spring by checking your irrigation system, cleaning up around the plants you tucked in for the winter, and aerating turf areas. Sign up for a 3 Steps to Landscape Success class to learn more. We know you won’t be able to resist buying plants this month, so we’re showing you the proper way to install them and keep them healthy.
