Resources

Improve your water resource management with tools and tips we find and share here. Learn how to trouble shoot problems in your irrigation system and identify overwatering issues. Also hear from our water resource management experts on tips for proper lawn management, picking drought tolerant plants, low water-use landscape designs and more


  • Stains in the Parking Lot from Overwatering
    07.01.14

    Do You Have Any of These 3 Signs of Overwatering

    Is your irrigation system overwatering the landscape? You don’t have to be a landscape professional to see the horrendous tell-tale signs of overwatering. In a previous post Richard shared the signs plants display when they are overwatered. Here are 3 signs of overwatering not related to plant health. Overwatering Sign #1 – Parking Lot Stains The first picture shows repeated and multiple stains on the parking lot surface.  When irrigation water starts to run over the curb it is a... MORE >

  • Planting area between turf and sidewalk.
    06.23.14

    An Awesome Water Management Checklist…Even If You Hate Irrigation

    Let’s start with the assumption you are an awesome water manager or at least have responsibility for water management on a property.  Why would you need a checklist for water management? Creating checklists for routine and complex procedures helps you manage a specific set of parameters on a regular basis.  As more tools become available to measure water use, consistency in management is a critical success factor. So, if you can consistently review these four basic items on your landscape... MORE >

  • Desert Marigold Drought-tolerant Plant
    06.12.14

    My Favorite Drought-Tolerant Plants for Southwest Landscapes

    Contrary to what many people might think, the deserts of the American Southwest offer a kaleidoscope of colorful and interesting drought-tolerant plants with which to create a xeriscape. What is xeriscaping you ask? It’s a way of landscaping that focuses on water conservation through the use of native, drought-tolerant plants. The term comes from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry, and the xeriscape philosophy is a perfect approach to water-efficient desert gardening. With that in mind, I’ve listed some... MORE >

  • Alluvial Pattern
    06.03.14

    8 Ways to Detect an Irrigation Leak

    Irrigation systems usually run when most people are asleep so how can you tell if you have an irrigation leak? UF/IFAS Miami U.C.U. (Urban Conservation Unit) reminded me there is a “fine line between poor drainage, over irrigation & irrigation leaks.” However, since none of these are desirable, you need to investigate further if you see any of the geological signs below on your property. Old Faithful Unless you are drilling a well, water shooting up in the air is... MORE >

  • Lawn
    04.29.14

    10 Ways To Make a Splash With Outdoor Water Savings

    Did you miss the WaterSense “Make a Splash With Outdoor Water Savings” webinar, which introduced you to outdoor water saving methods for hotels featuring Richard Restuccia and the award-winning Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, CA? Thanks to the great followup email from the folks at EPA WaterSense here is a quick summary .  Reduce Outdoor Water Use to Maximize Water Savings Add mulch and topsoil, where appropriate Aerate high-traffic areas in lawns to reduce compaction  Allow turfgrass to... MORE >

  • Drought tolerant garden
    04.22.14

    3 Reasons To Use Drought Tolerant or Native Plants

    A native plant is one occurring naturally, in a given geography, without human involvement.  These are the plants growing on the landscape without the aid of humans.  This means they were not brought there intentionally or sometimes unintentionally.  Unfortunately we know sometimes people bring them by mistake and don’t think about the unintended consequences.  A drought tolerant plant does not have to been a native plant.  Drought tolerant plants are plants having adapted to tolerate drought better than most.  A... MORE >

  • Sustainable Water Drop by William Warby
    02.18.14

    Best Sustainable Water Option for Irrigation

    What is the best sustainable water option for irrigation? Well (pun intended), it depends on where you live and whether you are building a new or retrofitting an existing irrigation system. But first let’s review sustainability.  What is Sustainability? There are 3 basic pillars of sustainability which must be considered and kept in balance: • Environmental • Social • Economic  Sustainable Water Source Options • Potable – traditionally the “go to” source for irrigation water. Metered, getting more expensive and for the last 100... MORE >

  • Water Well for California Drought
    02.11.14

    Resources for the California Drought

    The ridiculously resistant high Many scientists believe the California drought is being caused by a huge high pressure zone off the coast of California.  The zone of high pressure is 4 miles high and 2000 miles long.  The jet stream that would normally drop down into California this time of year has bumped off this high pressure ridge and been diverted to Alaska, British Columbia and the East Coast.  This high pressure ridge has been around for over a year. ... MORE >

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