HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 3/18/2013 - Attachment - Water Restrictionsfcgov.com/utilities • utilities@fcgov.com
(970) 221-6700 • TDD: (970) 224-6003 4/13
Landscape Care with
WATER
RESTRICTIONS
Utilities
Utilities
REDUCE OUR USE
SPRINKLER Systems
• Routinely check your sprinkler system for leaks,
broken heads and other problems.
• Re-program your controller to the assigned
watering days. Choose to water between
12:01 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to midnight
on your days. No watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Contact Utilities for help re-programming
your controller or sign up for a free a sprinkler
system audit.
WATERING Times
Set your sprinkler system to apply a total of
½ inch of water in two watering cycles. Apply
¼ inch, wait an hour to let the water soak in
and apply a second cycle of ¼ inch. To apply a
¼ inch, run each zone according to the type of
sprinkler head:
• Spray heads, 7–10 minutes
• Rotor heads, 15–22 minutes
For more information about water restrictions
and conservation, visit fcgov.com/water-restrictions
or call the hotline at (970) 416-2881.
LAWN Care
Lawns that are healthy before restrictions likely
will emerge in pretty good shape. Grass should
do well with watering two days a week, but may
become stressed if one day a week restrictions
are necessary. There are a few actions you can
take to help your grass survive.
Spring
• Core aerate when soil is moist to improve
water penetration into clay soil.
• Water cool season grasses to promote
root growth.
• Lightly apply a fertilizer containing
mostly slow-release nitrogen.
• Consider applying an herbicide to reduce
the potential for weeds if the grass
becomes stressed.
Summer
• Mow a day after watering, either in the early
morning or late evening.
• Mow to a height of 3 inches and often
enough to remove only one third of the
grass blade.
• Leave clippings on the lawn as they add
nutrients to the grass.
• Limit the amount of traffic on the grass if
it’s stressed.
BROWN Lawns
If your lawn becomes brown from lack of water,
it may be dormant. Bluegrass, fine fescues,
TREE Care
City Forester Tim Buchanan says, “When trees
don’t get enough water they become vulnerable
to pests and diseases. Healthy trees provide
cooling shade, purify the air and add beauty to
our community.”
• Water using a deep root fork or needle, soaker
hose or soft spray wand to a depth of at least
12 inches. Saturate the soil from the trunk to
the outer edges of the branches.
• Water trees up to 8 inches in diameter four
times a month and larger trees twice a month.
• Apply organic mulch to a depth of 4 inches
starting a few inches away from the trunk and
going out 2–6 feet.
• Improve structure and tree health by pruning
out dead and weakened branches.
• Monitor for pests and other
maintenance needs.
Contact an arborist, landscape professional or
nursery with questions about tree care.
SHRUB Care
Most shrubs don’t need a lot of extra water unless
the weather has been exceptionally hot and dry.
• Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to apply
water slowly.
• Add 4 inches of mulch to planting beds to
reduce evaporation.
• Prune dead or diseased branches.
PERENNIAL and ANNUAL Flowers
• Choose drought tolerant perennials and
annuals for your garden and containers.
• Apply 1–3 inches of organic mulch or pea
gravel between plants to reduce evaporation
and control weeds.
• Use slow-release and organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers promote lush growth
and more water use.
• Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to apply
water slowly.
VEGETABLE Gardens
• Add high-quality compost a month
before planting.
• Mulch around vegetables with straw,
shredded leaves or grass clippings.
• Water plants frequently as they emerge, but
with only a little water.
• Water close to the plant’s roots. Watering the
leaves makes them susceptible to disease.
Water restrictions can be tough on landscaping. On April 1, the City of Fort Collins
implemented Response Level 1 water restrictions due to fire-related water quality issues,
persistent drought and low snowpack.
Response Level 1 restrictions limit lawn watering to two days per week. Our water supply
situation will be monitored as will the need to adjust the response level. Response Level 2
limits lawn watering to one day a week, and Response Level 3 allows one day a week
watering, but for a maximum of two hours a day.
Watering trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetable gardens is not restricted, but use drip irrigation
or a hose with a shut-off nozzle. These areas may not be watered using your lawn’s sprinkler
system except on your assigned watering days.
Drip irrigation
Water at least 12 inches deep and to the
edge of the branches.
Watering Zone
buffalograss and blue grama may remain
dormant for months and emerge relatively well
with cooler weather. Once tall fescue turns
brown, it’s most likely dead. Tony Koski, CSU Turf
Specialist says, “Survival can be enhanced by
watering ¼ to ½ inch every 7 to 10 days.”
Watering at night