As the season slowly moves into summer temperatures on Long Island, it is important to understand the impact temperatures have on plants. This includes grass, shrubs, trees, and flowers. As temperatures increase along with sunlight, all plants increase their rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires a great amount of water and plants uptake water and nutrients through their roots and from the soil. Having adequate amounts of water also keeps the plants cool and less stressed.
Since the weather can be quite different each week it is important to monitor your watering schedule and make changes when necessary.
- Hot dry weeks require a 20-30% increase in watering.
- Cool wet weeks require 10 -20% less watering.
Water companies, Nassau County, and certain villages (e.g., Port Washington) have water restrictions and codes that only allow odd/even day watering, require rain sensors, and smart controllers.
A common recommendation from horticulturists and experts in the landscape profession is to water less frequently for longer run times to provide deeper watering.
Water Management is much more complicated than I have described above. Every property is different. Every landscape is different and when you also consider the type of soil, sunlight, plant material, and microclimates to name just a few factors, programming and irrigating efficiently can get involved.
Smart Controllers have improved the ease of management, and it can be at your fingertips. Do you have a water management plant in place? If you are interested in learning more and looking for assistance, then please reach out to me via email at rsilverman@rainrich.com.
A beautiful landscape is a valuable investment and the cost to maintain a sprinkler system that sustains a healthy landscape is far less expensive than replacing lawn, shrubs, and trees. To learn more please visit our website at www.rainrich.com. To arrange an appointment please call the office at 631-423-2211 or click here. We look forward to serving you!
