Drought conditions cause municipalities and public water systems to impose water restrictions, with lawn watering being among the first things to go. Fortunately, you can convert your yard to a drought-friendly garden with a few simple maintenance practices.
Weak or dead trees are not only an eyesore; they can pose a safety risk during heavy storms, causing damage to your home and hurting people.
Overgrown or Unstable Trees
It’s important to maintain your yard, including the trees and shrubbery. Overgrown or unstable tree branches can fall in a storm, damaging your property and injuring people. They can also interfere with your sprinkler system by blocking the flow of water or causing it to be diverted in an unhelpful direction. Additionally, overgrown limbs can block sunlight and nutrients from reaching the ground beneath them, inhibiting plant growth.
Drought proofing your lawn is a great way to make your landscape more durable in the face of a drought. There are a few short-term and long-term steps you can take to create a drought resistant garden, all of which will help reduce your water usage.
Start with a soil test. Knowing your soil type and climate zone will help you choose grasses and other plants that can survive a drought, or are adapted to survive long periods without water. Native plants are even better, as they’re familiar with the area’s weather patterns and can easily adapt to dry conditions.
Mulch is a crucial element of a drought-resistant garden, as well as . It not only keeps weeds at bay, but it helps retain moisture in the soil by keeping it cooler and reducing evaporation. Avoid the permanent types of mulch, however, as they don’t add anything to the soil; instead opt for organic mulches like straw, grass clippings, bark chips or shredded leaves.
Water-efficient irrigation is a must for any garden, but it’s especially important in a drought emergency. Replace traditional sprinkler systems with drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing evaporation and runoff. You can also install rain barrels to collect and store rainwater to use in your garden, or bury soaker hoses in your soil to give your plants the water they need without exposing them to the sun’s heat.
Finally, if your local municipality has put restrictions on water use, consider installing a rainwater catchment system for your home to collect and store rainfall from your roof. You can then use this rainwater to water your garden and lawn during a drought.
Pests
If you’re like most people, your lawn and gardens depend on a steady supply of water to thrive. That’s why it’s important to know how to keep your landscape in tip-top shape during dry spells. Here are some of the best ways to drought proof your yard and get it back to lush green when Mother Nature decides to turn on the water again.
1. Start by understanding your climate.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is misjudging their climate and soil type when planting new plants. Choosing a plant that is adapted to your specific region will help it survive during periods of drought, since it is familiar with the weather and soil conditions.
2. Don’t overwater.
Overwatering your lawn is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during a drought, as it leads to weak, shallow roots and fungal diseases. Instead, water your lawn less frequently but deeply. It’s also a good idea to mulch your garden to retain soil moisture.
3. Use smart irrigation systems.
Using smart irrigation systems can help your garden withstand a drought, as they monitor the weather and soil conditions and adjust the amount of water to each plant accordingly. Drip irrigation systems are particularly effective at reducing water waste because they deliver the water directly to the roots of the plant, preventing evaporation and runoff.
4. Use native plants.
In addition to being beautiful, native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions and will be much more likely to survive a drought. Adding more native plants to your landscape can also reduce the amount of supplemental irrigation that you need, as well as attract pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
5. Consider xeriscaping or other forms of low-water landscaping.
Many of the practices that you can take to drought proof your yard are not only useful during a drought, but they are solid maintenance techniques for any season. For example, removing grass and replacing it with rock gardens or wildflower meadows can reduce your outdoor water usage significantly. Likewise, installing rainwater collectors can be a great way to save and reuse your own water resources.
Damage to Your Home
Many homes in Canada are facing drought conditions, and with water restrictions in effect or private wells running low, you may have to rethink how your yard is designed. But that doesn’t have to mean turning your lawn into a sea of rock and cactus. Instead, you can convert your yard into a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden with a few simple changes.
Most traditional lawns require supplemental irrigation to remain green and healthy throughout the summer, but a dry environment can cause them to overuse natural water resources. In addition, the high temperatures and increasing evaporation from sunlight can also impact soil moisture levels and make it difficult for grass to grow.
Creating a drought-tolerant landscape can help you to avoid expensive bills and prevent plant stress. The key is to start with a well-designed, soil-rich garden. Soil that is rich in organic material can hold on to moisture, whereas compacted soil will lose moisture and suffocate the roots of your landscaping. Choose plants and grass that are native to your region because they will have adapted to your local weather and soil conditions, and will have a greater ability to cope with dry periods.
When you do have to water your lawn, be sure to do so sparingly and deeply. Aim to water your grass or shrubs only when they show signs of wilting, and to do so in the morning when the water can soak in rather than evaporate. Also, consider reducing or eliminating fertilization during times of drought because excessive fertilization can lead to increased water usage and overgrowth, which will also require more frequent watering.
Finally, use wood mulch or other granular organic material in your garden to protect and insulate the roots of your plants and slow down evaporation. In addition, a layer of mulch can also help with soil erosion and keep nutrients from leaching into the water supply.
Safety
In the event that drought does strike, it’s important to know how to protect your yard and garden. A few simple techniques can make all the difference in keeping your lawn green and your plants alive even when water restrictions are in effect.
To help reduce the amount of water used, mulching landscape beds is a great solution. Not only does it add a layer of protection, but it also helps to keep the soil cooler and encourages deep roots. When choosing a type of mulch, look for organic material such as shredded leaves, bark, or compost that will return nutrients to the soil. Avoid rock or rubber mulches, as these don’t provide any benefit to the soil and can actually cause harm.
Another way to conserve water is to plant wisely. When choosing new plants for the yard, select those that are naturally adapted to a dry climate and can survive with little to no irrigation. Planting native species of flowers, shrubs, and trees is a smart choice, as they are more likely to thrive under these conditions.
If you do need to fertilize your lawn, choose a slow-release option over a quick-release. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus can weaken your grass, making it more vulnerable to drought stress. In addition, be sure to dethatch and aerate in the fall for better results.
Finally, when it comes to weed control, pulling the weeds by hand rather than using herbicide is the best way to go. Weeds rob grass of its natural moisture, so eliminating them will give your lawn a much-needed break during drought conditions.
To further conserve water, watering trees and garden beds should be done in the early morning, as this is when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is less prevalent. In addition, when watering, only water the ground and saturate it fully — not the foliage. If you have the means to do so, a soaker hose or other drip system can be a big help in a time of drought. This buried hose enables you to soak the soil without exposing it to heat and evaporation.
