Water Use Reduction | Flora Terra Landscape Management Blog

Archive for the ‘Water Use Reduction’ Category

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.

Tags: landscape survey
Posted in Water Use Reduction, property management | No Comments »

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

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.
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.
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.
Check your watering system for leaks. A broken, clogged or malfunctioning irrigation system is a common cause of water wastage and runoffs.
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.

Tags: water runoff
Posted in Lawn Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

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.

Tags: when to water
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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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It’s Time to Think “Drought Tolerant Planting”

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Many areas of California face drought or desert-like conditions. A landscape with high irrigation requirements is expensive and often disappointing. Flora Terra’s trained team of drought-tolerant landscape design architects can create a sustainable commercial outdoor space. We use colorful native plants and trees that thrive in your growing conditions and are easier to maintain.

What to consider in drought-tolerant landscape designs:

Original ideas: Artistically shaped flower beds, creatively designed hardscapes, and mood lighting all contribute to a beautifully designed landscape. You don’t need a sprawling lawn or large water features to have unique curb appeal. Knowledgeable drought-tolerant landscape design architects use refreshingly creative ideas to make your outdoor space look stunning. Think oranges, reds and yellows for color. Combine with beautiful cactus and different types of rocks for texture and depth.
Extensive selection of plants: Make use of a wide variety of native flora and fauna to add interest and appeal to your drought-tolerant landscape design. A careful combination of attractive ground covering plants, plants with colorful leaves and ornamental grasses can achieve pleasing results. Replace your high-water need plants with exotic local varieties that will perk up your landscape.
Proper installation: Proper installation by a team of drought-tolerant landscape design architects will prevent possible dead plants, poor soil conditions, or less than desired results.
Meticulous maintenance: No matter what type of garden you have, routine maintenance keeps it in top shape.

Flora Terra’s drought-tolerant landscape design architects aim for reduced maintenance, but regular care ensures the best results. We can take care of landscape management to keep your commercial outdoor space looking great throughout the year.

Posted in Spring Plant Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

Water Management in Winter

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Water management in winter is as crucial as in the rest of the year. Proper preparation is key to preventing property and equipment damage, and personal injuries. Managing an HOA, commercial complex or estate’s winterization process, including planning water resources is best left to water management professionals.

Water management in winter is less complicated and confusing when you know what to look out for. In other words, having a well-determined winterization plan will minimize your effort and frustration. Here are some important things to include in your water management in winter checklist…

Turn off and drain your irrigation system: Even a slight amount of water left in hoses, pipes and sprinklers can cause cracks and burst when the temperature dips to the freezing mark.
Clear storm drains of leaves, twigs and other garbage to ensure that rain water run-off has a clear path.
Clean downspouts to prevent any ponding or leaks in your roof. Also check the direction of their flow to prevent flooding and subsequent icing of entryways, pathways and parking areas.
Check for water logging as it can cause rot and disease and weaken your beautiful plants and trees.
Make sure your holiday lighting is away from areas that are prone to water accumulation. It’s a fire hazard.

Efficient water management in winter preserves your commercial property and eliminates nasty surprises when spring arrives. An experienced landscaping service will make sure it’s done right, saving you time and money.

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Desert Landscaping – Save water and enjoy a clean look

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Rather than wasting effort, money and water turning a desert into a green garden, it’s more fruitful (and wise) to consider desert landscaping. It’s a stunning new concept that’s fast catching on among Northern California commercial property owners. The spectacular looks and low-water requirements are a winning proposition.

You can create your very own oasis with the help of an established California landscaping service that promotes native plants and reduces maintenance costs.

Desert landscaping has a strikingly neat and clean appearance and it significantly reduces your water requirements. Now who can resist water savings in the desert regions of California?

What is desert landscaping?

Desert landscaping is the commercial property manager’s (and homeowner’s) answer to creating a beautiful and outdoor space with scare water resources. It works very well in our desert-type climate and growing conditions. You also get irresistible curb appeal using local plants that can survive these harsh conditions. Attractive stones and hardscape features can be valuable adornments. Try it!

What are the benefits of desert landscaping?

Amazing color choices: Red, orange and yellow replace your traditional greens and blues producing an attractive riot of color. Add cacti if you must have green. There is a variety of plants to choose from so you don’t need to feel constrained.
Eye-catching hardscapes and lighting: Desert landscaping is just spectacular when you include different colored and textured stones, artistic hardscapes and dramatic lighting.
Conserving water: Water is a scarcity and very precious. Desert landscaping has amazingly low water requirements. You won’t have to stress about over-watering or exceeding your quota and paying penalties.
Many design options: If you’re the kind that must include water and grass, then consider a small water feature that recycles water instead of a pool and a small patch of grass to satisfy your lawn craving.
Less maintenance and significant savings: By using native plants and reducing grass cover (or plants that need lots of water) you will enjoy significant lower landscape maintenance costs. And you don’t have to compromise on the overall look of your commercial landscape.

Desert landscaping has a unique appeal and attractiveness. Moreover it makes the best of your natural resources and preserves the environment. All you need is an experienced California landscape management company to design, install and maintain your commercial desert landscape.

Tags: desert landscaping
Posted in Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

Water efficient landscaping reduces wastage and expenses

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Water efficient landscaping is the ideal solution to fast depleting resources and California’s history of drought. Garden and lawn care account for a tremendous increase in demand especially during the summer months. The EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) urges us to adopt water-wise, water-smart, low-water or water efficient landscaping to remedy the situation. Californians who practice sustainable landscaping and water management can easily avoid over-use penalties and reduce landscape maintenance cost.

What does water efficient landscaping involve?

Landscape design that includes soil and climate appropriate plant selection
Grouping plants according to the amount of water they require
Planting native, low-water-use flora and fauna

Contact Flora Terra Landscape Management to learn more.

Tags: water efficient landscaping
Posted in Lawn Care, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Use Reduction | No Comments »

Landscape Management Hint: Winter preparation of trees and properties ensures a vibrant growth next season

Friday, October 29th, 2010

It’s getting closer for property owners to begin winter preparations of trees and yards. It’s not time to put away the lawn maintenance tools yet. Fall is the time to make sure your lawn, plants, trees and shrubs are ready for the cold and wet spells that come in Northern California winters, and will give your commercial properties or HOA developments satisfying results next growing season.

Here are some lawn and property winterizing tips that will help you get it done right:

Clean up debris, dead leaves and flowers that have seen better days. It will give you a head start in spring and avoid increasing your soil’s pH levels more than necessary.
Cut grass to a height of two to three inches. Grass grows more slowly in winter, but do not cut more than 1/2 of the length of lawn blades at any one time to avoid damaging the plants.
Prune perennials, shrubs and trees to avoid damage from winter rain and encourage healthy growth next year.
Preserve soil quality by remove dead plants to prevent growth of fungus, mold and insect larvae.
Fertilize trees, shrubs and lawns adequately to restore essential nutrients.
Protect young plants and trees from frost with burlap.
Winterize your irrigation system by draining and turning off hoses and sprinklers, or set watering frequencies and durations to 50% or less of what you were watering during the summer season
Service lawn mowers, leaf blowers and irrigation systems to avoid unnecessary damage and replacement costs.

Winter preparation of trees and properties requires time and effort. Experience makes it easy and gets the job done right. An established San Jose Bay Area landscape management company will ensure that your residential and commercial properties are neat and clean, and well-prepared when the cold arrives. Get your landscape ready for winter for a healthy spring!

Posted in Lawn Care, Water Use Reduction, Winter Plant Care | No Comments »

Winter’s on its way – Don’t forget to turn down and test your sprinkler system!

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

We often forget that winter brings challenges to home and commercial irrigation systems – and plants – and we need reminders about important things to do as the weather gets cooler and the rains start to fall.

Your sprinklers and water management systems are the lifeblood of your sustainable landscaping and GreenScaping efforts. However, your plants and lawn don’t need anywhere near the same amount of water as they did during the heat of summer. So take the time to protect these important investments.

It’s easy and there are just 5 main steps to remember:

Reduce the frequency of watering, and the amount of time set to each watering cycle. If you are in a heavy rain area, consider putting the system on “Pause” or “Rain” until it is needed again in the spring
Winter is a great time to test the automatic sprinkler system’s controller.
Run tests on where your sprinklers are spraying. Test their volume, aim, and ensure as little waste as possible.
Clear drains, adjust sprinkler heads, test drip sprinklers instead of water-wasting spray heads.
If your area risks frost or freeze, insulate any above ground piping, cover/remove backflow prevention valves to avoid rupturing, and be sure to keep sidewalk salt handy for the colder mornings

Winter is a great time to review and reinvigorate your sprinklers. You can shut down your sprinkler system for a length of time without fear of harming your plants, and enjoy water savings as a result.

Don’t have the time to winterize your irrigation system? Not sure of how manage and test your sprinklers? Get a reliable Bay Area landscape management company to do it for you. Inexperience and insufficient knowledge can do more harm than good. Ensure your irrigation system is in top shape in the winter and have one less thing to worry about in the spring.