Archive for the ‘Water Use Reduction’ Category

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Dry Winter = Dry Summer

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Will a dry winter mean an equally dry summer? It has been the third driest winter on record in San Jose, CA.  Whether or not this will be followed by a dry summer is difficult to say. However, being prepared will help you maintain a healthy and attractive landscape in spite of the weather. 

Plants and grass have reduced maintenance needs in winter. Use the extra time to prepare for the growing season. Here are some winter landscape maintenance tips that will improve growth and yield in summer. 

  • Aerate the soil in the late winter (and remove leaves, branches and debris) to encourage absorption of water and sunlight, and provide easy access to nutrients. This will help strengthen the roots.
  • Keep your lawn and flower beds free of debris including leaves and branches to maintain the right pH levels.
  • Remove broken branches and twigs to reduce unnecessary weight on your plants and trees.
  • Reduce irrigation. Water just enough to keep the roots moist. Over watering leads to swamp like conditions which make it difficult for the roots to breathe. It also promotes rot, mold and disease.
  • Test your sprinklers and irrigation equipment for broken heads, clogs and malfunctions. This is the best time to get them serviced or repaired or even check out a new water-efficient system.
  • Get a CLCA Certified water manager to assess your requirements and draw up a customized water management plan.
  • Explore sustainable (eco-friendly) landscaping to reduce water and maintenance expenses.
  • Engage an experienced landscape management company to provide professional care and great results through the year. 

A proven landscaping service has the expertise to meet your commercial landscaping needs and growing conditions. Hire a reliable company for year-round landscape maintenance.

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Water Management Planning Starts Now

Monday, December 12th, 2011

It’s never too early to start water management planning. If you’re looking to streamline usage and prevent overuse penalties this summer, now is the best time to start. Identifying and implementing the right water conservation strategies takes time. So begin today. 

What does efficient water management planning involve?

  • A water audit for a detailed assessment of your current usage and proper estimation of your requirements
  • Identifying areas of wastage
  • Recommendations on water efficiency
  • Implementing water conservation strategies and using the right equipment
  • Setting up a water budget
  • Monitoring usage after the plan is in place
  • Tweaking usage and planning to increase cost efficiency and meet goals 

Did you know that water management and conservation will soon become the single most important aspect of landscape maintenance? Not just in drought-prone California but all over the world! 

Successful water management planning stems from accurate water audits and workable low-water-use solutions. Converting to sustainable landscaping and water-efficient irrigation equipment are some proven ways of achieving your goals. 

A CLCA-certified water manager (or IA-certified water auditor) has the expertise to enhance conservation, efficiency and savings.  

Adopt customized water management planning services with CLCA certified staff to improve conservation, reduce waste and minimize related expenses.

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Water Management

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

Planned water management will help preserve our most precious resource and bring significant savings on your water bill. Read our tips on smart irrigation to avoid water-use penalties and yet maintain an attractive landscape. 

Tips for smart water management: 

  • Plan a water-efficient/sustainable landscape: Selecting low water use, local plants can significantly reduce your water consumption without compromising the landscape design. You don’t need a sprawling turf in a drought-prone area to have an attractive landscape.
  • Consider desert landscaping: Trying to turn a desert into a garden may be futile no matter how much water you pump into it. It would be easier and yield better results if you install and maintain desert landscaping, replacing traditional greenery with bright hues of color.
  • Convert to smart irrigation systems: The latest drip irrigation systems, smart sprinklers and controllers provide plants with the right amounts of water. This reduces wastage and boosts overall water efficiency.
  • Make a proper water management plan: Assess your landscape requirements and devise a proper water management plan to stay on track. Constantly monitor your progress and make adjustments if required to improve water-efficiency and savings. 

Managing a commercial landscape and adopting water-efficient practices is easy with the help of professionals. A certified water management company has the knowledge, experience and the latest technology to help you. They can help you take advantage of rebates to implement advanced irrigation systems and enhance your efforts towards LEED certification.

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Proper Irrigation Management

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Proper irrigation management lowers your water and landscape maintenance requirements and expenses. Maintaining a vibrant landscape without incurring water usage penalties is a big priority for commercial property owners. By making a few adjustments to landscape design, irrigation systems and watering schedules you can have a great landscape and still meet your conservation goals.

Tips for effective irrigation management

  • Do a landscape survey: A landscape survey determines your growing conditions (soil and climate) helping you with plant and tree selection as well as irrigation planning. Planting native varieties and grouping plants according to water requirements can help reduce consumption significantly.  Contact us for a landscape survey!
  • Convert to a water-efficient landscape: Installing low water-use plants and water-wise irrigation systems, limiting turf or grass only to the ideal spots and using mulch to retain moisture will lower your irrigation and maintenance requirements.
  • Devise a proper irrigation plan: Once you understand your landscape and plant requirements you can plan a workable watering schedule to avoid overwatering and eliminate wastage.
  • Install a smart irrigation system: Smart irrigation systems reduce effort and stress while producing great results. The latest drip irrigation systems, smart sprinklers and controllers will enhance water efficiency by preventing run offs.

Commercial landscape design and irrigation planning requires knowledge and experience. Flora Terra, an established landscape company will help you with proper irrigation management.  

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Santa Clara Water Rebate Program’s Attractive Incentive for Water-Efficient Landscaping

Saturday, May 7th, 2011

The Santa Clara Water Rebate Program is a strong incentive for HOAs, educational and business institutions, and other commercial properties to convert to water-efficient landscaping. The landscape conversion rebate is based on the number of square feet of qualifying high-water-use landscaping that is converted to an approved low-water use one. Irrigation upgrades qualify for an additional Irrigation Hardware Upgrade rebate.

How to qualify for the landscape conversion rebate?

-  Schedule a pre-inspection survey prior to applying for the water rebate program. A surveyor from the Santa Clara Valley Water District will determine your eligibility.

-  Submit the Request for Application Form completed by the surveyor and sent to the Water District by fax or mail.

- A Water District staff member will become your point of contact throughout the rebate process once your request is received.

-  Read the terms and conditions in the application packet sent to you by mail. This includes qualifying plant and irrigation controller lists.

-  Submit a completed application with the necessary documentation

  • 4-6 photos of your current landscape, the area you wish to convert to water-efficient landscaping and irrigation system you plan to replace
  • List of plants for the converted area including qualifying plants that will cover 50% of the area on maturity
  • A simple diagram with an application demonstrating the area and irrigation system to be converted
  • Current copy of your water bill
  • Completed and signed W-9

-  On receipt of a written Notice to Proceed you may begin your landscape conversion and irrigation upgrade according to program terms and conditions

-   Get an established water-efficient landscaping contractor  who is familiar with the requirements to work on your project. This will avoid unnecessary problems with obtaining your rebates and ensure quality work.

-  You have 90 days from the date written on the Notice to Proceed to complete your work.

-   Schedule a post inspection where Water District surveyors will verify that you have met all the criteria of the Santa Clara Water Rebate Program.

Rebates are paid on a first-come-first-served basis and are only available until funds are depleted, or June 30, 2011, whichever occurs first. Don’t miss out on your chance to implement water-efficiency. 

Contact Flora Terra Landscape Management in San Jose to help you complete this process successfully.

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How much water do you need to avoid landscape and hardscape damage?

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Water efficiency in landscaping means knowing exactly how much water you need. Did you know that overwatering causes more damage than the lack of it? The key to a healthy landscape is providing the right amount of nutrients, especially water.

Here are some of Flora Terra’s tips for determining how much water you need:

  • Get to know your landscape: Identify areas of sun and shade. Sheltered areas need less water than those in the sun. Slopes require shorter intervals but more frequent watering than flat surfaces.  If you notice puddles or run offs in certain sections, reduce the amount of water you’re using.
  • Understand soil and climate: How much water you need for plants is linked to the type of soil and climatic conditions. Knowing whether your soil is clay, sandy or loamy gives a better idea of how much watering should be done. Also cooler periods require less water than prolonged hot, sunny days.
  • Identify plant requirements: Pay attention to the water requirements of different plants. Irrigation is not a one-size fits all process.
  • Install water-efficient irrigation equipment: Drip irrigation and SMART sprinklers ensure that your landscape gets all the water it needs without over saturating it. The latest sensors allow you to water based on climate and soil water levels. Remember to adjust automatic controllers according to weather conditions.

Protect your landscaping investment by watering properly.  Not sure how yours compares?  Give us a call – 800-455-0304.

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Get a landscape survey to understand watering requirements

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

Maximize water use and reduce waste

If you have 5,000 square feet or more of irrigated landscape in Santa Clara or San Mateo County, the Landscape Survey Program can benefit you. By identifying inefficiencies in your water delivery system and recommending improvements, the surveyors can help you become water wise.

A vibrant landscape doesn’t require lots of water, all the time; it just needs the right amount at the right time. So how much water do you need? Get a landscape survey done!

How does Flora Terra’s landscape survey improve irrigation efficiency?

  • Determines your exact requirements: Growing conditions including soil, grading and climate, determine the amount of water your landscape needs. We’ll help you understand and fulfill your landscape needs through more efficient irrigation techniques.
  • Identifies irrigation equipment deficiencies: Faulty irrigation systems, like leaks, clogs and malfunctioning sprinklers use more water than necessary. We’ll identify the problem areas that are draining your resources, and suggest remedial action.
  • Suggests and installs water-efficient systems: Our latest drip irrigation systems, smart sprinklers (set to ET rates) and controllers boost water efficiency. You’ll avoid puddles and run offs by converting wasteful overhead sprays into more efficient drip tubes.
  • Helps draws up a feasible water budget: Based on the landscape survey and expert forecasting, Flora Terra’s CLCA certified water managers will help draw up an effective water budget

Flora Terra Landscape Management offers advanced landscape surveys and commercial water audits use to help Santa Clara property managers improve their water efficiency. Phone us at 800-455-0304.

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5 Things You Can Do To Avoid Water Runoff

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Avoid water runoff by providing the just the right amount of irrigation for your landscape. Water is a precious resource and one that is fast depleting. Watering wisely not only promotes conservation but also improves plant and turf health.

Did you know that water run off washes away vital nutrients from the soil? It also causes ponding and swamp-like conditions which encourage rotting. Puddles or runoffs on your sidewalk, patio and driveway lead to a premature deterioration of your expensive hardscapes.

5 things you can do to avoid water runoff

  1. If it does not need to stay green, don’t water it! Keep sprinkler heads from unnecessarily spraying your foundation walls, driveway, patio and other hardscapes. Concrete, asphalt and brickwork will wear out faster when constantly sprayed with water.
  2. Look for signs of ponding and soggy soil as you walk around your landscape. It’s a sure sign of overwatering and can certainly be damaging. Watering correctly saves time, money and plants.
  3. Get a landscape survey to determine your growing conditions and apply the right amount of water. Knowing the soil type, grading and climate will help formulate a proper irrigation plan.
  4.  Check your watering system for leaks. A broken, clogged or malfunctioning irrigation system is a common cause of water wastage and runoffs.
  5. Install water-efficient irrigation systems. Drip tubes and SMART controllers allow for more precise watering to ET rates, eliminating the risk of ponding and runoffs.

 Water efficiency will not affect your curb appeal. Plants and grass develop stronger roots and are more resistant to temperature fluctuations when you use the right irrigation techniques. Watering wisely will also lower your usage and bills significantly. Ask an established landscaping and water management service to determine your exact requirements and help you avoid water runoff.

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When is the best time to water?

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Knowing the Dos and Don’ts for watering will not only promote plant health and growth, you will lower your water bills too. One of the most important ones is to know “when is the best time to water” your landscape. Here are some guidelines to help you water wisely.

Choosing the right time to water will save your plants and money

  • The best time to water is generally early in the morning before the temperatures start to rise. It gives plants enough water to combat the heat throughout the day.
  • If it is not possible to water in the morning then do it late afternoon or early evening when temperatures have cooled down a bit.
  • Avoid watering when the sun is at its height and in the blistering heat. The rate of evaporation is much faster.
  • Never water at night. It encourages fungal disease. When watering in the evening make sure that your plants and grass have sufficient time to dry before nightfall. Also choose a method or an irrigation system that will not wet the leaves.
  • Don’t water when it’s windy. It’s a waste. The water will only blow off onto your hardscapes and cause premature damage. Most often winds are at their lowest early in the morning.
  • It is not necessary to water if you’ve had enough of rain. Remember it’s not frequent watering but lengthy cycles that promote plant health.

Having an irrigation system that’s suited to the needs of your commercial landscape is as important as being aware of when is the best time to water. An established landscaping maintenance service will eliminate trial and error that could affect your curb appeal and damage your plants.  They will install the latest water-efficient irrigation with SMART controllers to promote more precise watering and avoid any runoff. They will also make sure that your plants have the type of care they need, and that your sprinklers, drip tubes and pipes are in optimum working condition.

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HOA and Apartment Water Management Ideas

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Multiple dwelling residences are constantly challenged by water overuse penalties. Here are some HOA and apartment water management ideas to increase water-efficiency and savings. Having an effective water management strategy makes it easier to reduce consumption.

  • Ask an IA certified water auditor to conduct a commercial water use audit. It will help gauge your requirements and current usage, and determine ways to reduce consumption.
  • Get a CLCA certified water manager to help you draw up a workable water budget.
  • Install water-efficient plumbing like low-flow toilets and tankless water heaters which reduce water usage.
  • Fix drips, leaks and cracked pipes that lead to water overuse.
  • Switch to drip irrigation systems and SMART sprinkler controllers that apply water to current ET (evapotranspiration) rates avoiding run offs and wastage.
  • Conduct annual backflow system testing, maintenance and timely repairs to make sure your equipment is working at optimum levels.
  • Wire line tracing
  • Ensure your irrigation systems are regularly serviced and winterized to prevent pipe bursts.
  • Convert to sustainable or water-efficient landscaping including native plants that thrive in your growing conditions and require less watering.
  • Employ real time monitoring to determine and optimize efficient usage.

Landscape irrigation accounts for a large part of your water bills. It is possible to have a well maintained commercial property and keep to your water budget. Your HOA and apartment water management ideas should include water-efficient irrigation systems and controllers that apply the right amount of water and eliminate any wastage.

Ask a landscaping and water management expert  for latest HOA and apartment water management ideas to boost your conservation efforts. Eliminate the risk of water overuse penalties and hidden operational costs.

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