![]() ![]() ![]() Do not add recommended water-soluble granular fertilizer until spring. To begin, have a soil test done and add the recommended slowly available amendments. The best time of year to prepare previously undisturbed soil is in the fall because it allows time during the winter for incorporated organic matter to decompose and for slowly available amendments such as limestone to release. Considering this in addition to the high cost of the polymers currently makes recommending these materials difficult. These polymers come in plastic containers and look like small white crystals however, the addition of high rates of limestone or fertilizer retards uptake by these polymers, though the correct application rate and the longevity of the polymer in the soil is debated. Water-absorbing hydrophilic polymers are designed to be mixed with soil and act as artificial reservoirs that release water to plants as the soil dries. Animal manure decomposes rapidly in soil, but it does provide plants with nutrients and is inexpensive. Composted animal manure is also available in bags. Peat moss is available in bags or compressed bales compressed bales usually are the best deal. It degrades slowly in the soil, but it is expensive. Peat moss is another alternative that has a high water- holding capacity. Compost, humus, and top soil are fine-textured products. If the soil is sandy, add fine-textured organic matter for water-holding capacity. This product is available at garden centers in bags, usually labeled as soil conditioner. If the soil is fine clay, choose a coarse-textured organic matter such as aged pine bark to increase aeration in the soil. Organic matter dramatically improves most of the different kinds of soils in Alabama. Research has shown that digging a wide planting hole or tilling the soil deeply improves the structure of the soil and results in rapid plant establishment and better root growth. Preparing the soil thoroughly helps ensure good root growth a plant with deep, extensive roots can withstand periods of drought better than plants with shallow roots. One essential feature of a water-efficient landscape is the gardener’s judgment on when irrigation is needed as opposed to relying on an automated timer. Use trees, informal hedges, shrubs, or tall ornamental grasses as natural windbreaks.ĭecide which plants should be watered first, second, and third, considering plant value, replacement costs, time to grow a comparable plant, and which ones are significant to you. Windbreaks help keep the plants and soil from drying. Learn the expected mature size of the plants to be included and provide them with sufficient space. In planted areas, it may be tempting to position plants close together so they are more visually appealing when young, but drastic pruning likely will be needed as plants approach maturity, which increases water use and plant stress. Large canopy trees should be strategically placed to keep the landscape cooler and reduce water loss while providing a comfortable living environment. It may be necessary to remove some canopy trees to reduce competition and improve the health of remaining trees. Remove weedy or undesirable understory plants to create more open areas. When available, incorporate native wooded areas into the landscape and blend these areas with the planted portions of the landscape. Many native plants, once established, often require little supplemental water or maintenance, but don’t assume that all native plants are drought tolerant or suitable for home landscapes. Plants vary tremendously in drought tolerance. Hydrozoning is locating plants according to a landscape’s differing levels of shading, soil evaporation rates, and exposure to ambient weather conditions.Īs a starting point, 10 percent or less of the total landscape should be zoned for high water use, 30 percent or less for moderate water use, and 60 percent or more for low water use The types of plants used and their location, the condition of the soil, and other factors all affect how much water must be used to maintain the landscape. It is important to plan a design for the landscape. Homeowners can ensure a sustainable landscape by planning for water conservation, choosing appropriate plants, improving the soil, establishing plants properly, mulching, fertilizing correctly, and watering efficiently. The environmental benefits include reducing soil erosion and storm water runoff, providing wildlife habitats, removing carbon dioxide and pollutants from the atmosphere while adding oxygen, and keeping homes cooler in the summer and protecting them from cold winds in the winter. Thoughtfully planned, attractive landscapes are important because they provide environmental benefits and add value and beauty to homes. ![]() Pictured: oakleaf hydrangea species with aging blooms Some plants perform well with only occasional irrigation.
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