Beach trips ✓ BBQs ✓pool days ✓ mulch? Irrigation evaluation? Sprinkler inspection? You might be ready to embrace the summer heat but is your landscape ready? As warmer weather rolls in, we go out to the garage to turn on the sprinklers and go on about our day. Before switching your system on for the season, there are a few important things to check and do!
Is your landscape prepared?
- Check your irrigation system for flaws or broken parts.
- Sign up for a FREE irrigation system evaluation!
- Adjust the amount of water needed for your landscape.
- Make your landscape independent by adding native drought-tolerant plants and use tools to enrich your landscape.
Irrigation system check up
Inspect your system for broken or missing sprinkler heads. Adjust sprinkler heads that are facing the wrong direction or watering concrete. You can also find an irrigation professional licensed by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to do the work for you. This is an important step for your summer preparation because problems can go unnoticed since most irrigation happens in the middle of the night. This can lead to costly leaks and broken sprinkler heads which can waste water and money.
Schedule a Free Irrigation System Evaluation
Irrigation evaluations are a great way to learn how to reduce your outdoor water usage! You will receive great advice and recommendations tailored to your
unique landscape and environmental factors.
If you’re a direct City water customer, schedule a free irrigation system evaluation by contacting Jessica Woods via email or at 512-671-2872. During the evaluation, staff will:
- Determine how many gallons are used with your current watering schedule.
- Provide a recommended watering schedule.
- Make recommendations if any system upgrades are needed.
Please note staff will not make repairs
Adjust the amount of water needed for your landscape
Not all parts of your yard are the same, they might differ in water needs! An area with shade should be watered less than an area with full sun. Change your watering times to accommodate for the differences in sunlight, plant and turf types.
Some might think all grass types require the same conditions. In fact, some drought tolerant grasses like Bermuda are often over watered. Use this chart from the Texas ArgiLife Extension to determine what conditions your turf-grass thrives in. If you have no idea where to start, sigh up for an irrigation evaluation and we can help you identify your grass and recommend a watering schedule for it.
∗Click on the chart for in depth info about grasses∗
Is your landscape independent?
Add native plants to your landscape! These types of plants require much less water and are adapted to our climate. Imagine having an entire garden bed dedicated to native plants! You may be able to turn off that entire zone and save so much water!
Don’t forget to add mulch to garden beds, trees, and yes grass! As you may know, mulch helps reduce water loss due to evaporation, adds nutrients, and prevents weeds. It’s possible to reduce watering times on areas that are mulched since they will retain water longer. Mulch is one of the most important steps to prepare for the heat! As a Round Rock water customer, you can get FREE hardwood mulch at our brush recycling center!
Headed over to the billing office? Don’t forget to pick up a free native plant guide at the front desk or just click on the picture to view it virtually!
More information
Native Plant Resources
- Aggie Horticulture provides a host of expertise on landscape plants, ornamentals, turf-grass, and gardens.
- Aggie Turf website has research on native
- City of Austin’s Grow Green program includes a searchable database of plants, includes pictures.
- The Williamson County Master Gardeners and visit their demonstration garden for ideas.
- Williamson County Native Plant Society
- The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Don’t forget to add these steps to your summer checklist!
