landscape sustainability – Water Conservation for Lawn and Landscape

July 29, 2019August 9, 2019

Drought Impacts on Landscape Plant Survival

Drought, or periods of water shortage, impact plants in a variety of ways. Drought affects how much water is available for plant use. If plants cannot tolerate lack of water various symptoms will appear.

Lack of water can lead to:

Stunted growth
Increased disease susceptibility
Increased susceptibility to winter injury
Death or injury when a warm period is followed by a very cold period in winter

Initially, growth stops and foliage wilts as plants become stressed. Unless supplemental irrigation …

July 29, 2019January 10, 2020

Diversity Encourages Landscape Sustainability

Diversity and Why it is Important

Diversity in biology is referred to as biodiversity. This includes the diversity of plants, animals, and their habitats as well as their genetic diversity.

Habitat loss is currently considered the most important threat to biodiversity. Habitat loss includes development for housing and other human activities that disturb and fragment native habitat.

Diversity of life acts as a buffer against disease and other pests. Genetic diversity protects against species loss as well. Higher diversity …

July 29, 2019March 2, 2020

Water Conservation in the Landscape

Drought cycles coupled with increasing urban population growth is putting pressure on water supplies in many areas throughout the US prompting calls for increasing water conservation in the landscape.

Traditional landscape practices tend to promote inefficient water use. A shift in thinking is necessary in order to promote water conservation in the home landscape.

Sources of Water Waste in the Home Landscape

- Leaking outdoor faucets and irrigation pipes
- Car washing
- Hosing down driveways and sidewalks
- Evaporation from bare soils
- Inefficient

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