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As spring transitions into the dryer months of summer, now is the time to check and refine your irrigation system to keep your plants appropriately hydrated. Having healthy and hydrated plants is an important component of a Fire-smart Landscape.
Healthy and hydrated plants:
- Are more difficult to ignite than dry, parched vegetation
- Have less dead material that provides fuel for fires
Use these important fire-smart & water-wise landscaping strategies:
- Help your soil maintain moisture by using compost and appropriate fire-smart mulches.
- Learn how much water your plants need and give them the right amount as the seasons change. OVER IRRIGATION IS COMMON, wastes precious water, and if prolonged, can lead to plants wilting, turning yellow, losing leaves, and roots rotting.
- When adding new plants to an established garden area, make sure the water needs of the new plants match the watering needs of the existing plants so they don’t get too much or too little water. Keep in mind that new plants may require more water until they are established.
- For more efficient irrigation methods, consider using flow meters, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, and irrigation controllers.
- Water your plants in the early morning, applying water to the plant’s dripline, the area beneath the plant where rainwater naturally drips from the outermost leaves to the ground.
- Use fertilizers sparingly. They make plants grow quickly and require more water to support new growth.
- It is best practice to avoid planting new plants during the hot summer months. They need more water to establish themselves and thrive.
Chipper Days are here!
Make a reservation to get rid of garden debris by going to https://www.chipperday.com/marin.
Chippers can take tree limbs up to 8 inches in diameter and shrubs, brush, limbs, woody branches, broom, cypress, juniper, and firewood. Please, no regular yard waste.