Figures complied by Colorado Springs Utilities show that over half of residential city water consumption in summer months goes to keeping our lawns green and our plants blooming.  While we had above average snow pack this past winter, we still face semi-arid conditions along the Front Range. 

“Many people irrigate their lawns and gardens too long and too often” according to a sign at the CSU Xeriscape Garden on Mesa Road.  “Efficient irrigation can reduce water use by 30% to 80%.”  Frequent watering allows plant roots to stay close to the surface which makes plants more susceptible to drought conditions.  Colorado Springs Utilities recommends, and Phelan Gardens endorses the plan to promote healthy landscape by irrigating:

1. ONLY when the plants need water and

2. DEEPLY to encourage root growth

Watering should be done between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. two to three times per week as dictated by the plants--NOT during the heat of the day, NOT when the wind is blowing and NOT with sprinklers that spray the water high into the air.  “Let your plants’ condition guide you rather than watering on a fixed schedule” CSU advises.   Irresponsible watering now means that possible future drought- related watering restrictions will come even sooner and perhaps be even more severe.  

Other CSU tips for watering efficiently include:

• evaluating soil type to determine water holding capacity

• grouping plants according to their water needs in “hydrozones”

• designing your watering system to fit hydrozones

•  irrigating turf separately from trees, shrubs and flowers

• checking your irrigation system frequently to be sure it is working properly

Finally, if for no other reason, you are paying dearly for watering inefficiently!  CSU has a tiered system it uses to figure water bills.  Go over so many cubic feet and you pay more.  Check your next utility bill to see where you stand.  Then consider some of these suggestions. 

For more information go to www.csu.org or visit the CSU Xeriscape Gardens on Mesa Road.