Three
main components create a water-wise landscape: plant selection, water
system selection,
and site management.
Dwarf Blue Rabbit Bush
Heartleaf Bergenia
Water Wise
Landscaping
By CJ Mucklow, Routt County Extension
Here in Steamboat Springs and Routt County, water conservation may not seem all that important given the annual moisture. According to state climatology records, Steamboat Springs has one of the most stable weather patterns of any place in Colorado. This doesn't mean we don't have moisture variability here; it means our swings in annual precipitation are less than the rest of Colorado. On average, Steamboat Springs typically receives twenty-four inches of moisture a year, with about two-thirds of that coming in the form of snow. This amount is about twice as much as many cities on the Front Range.
Just because we receive more moisture doesn’t mean we don’t need to plan for a landscape that uses less water. Water is still one of the most precious natural resources we have and it deserves to be used wisely in the landscape.
Three main components create a water-wise landscape: plant selection, water system selection, and site management.
Plant selection is key! Select plants that can thrive naturally with existing precipitation. Be careful not to limit your choices. Many publications about Xeriscape plants for Colorado, such as those published by the Colorado State University, are aimed at the Front Range where annual precipitation is around 12-14 inches. In Routt County we have a wider variety of plants that can be used in a water-wise landscape.
To see some very good examples of plants that are doing well here, visit the Botanical Garden or Karen Vail’s water-wise garden on 6th Street. Karen has planted a beautiful garden next to the Human Services building and the plants are all labeled.
Consider using bluegrass for only parts of the lawn. Bluegrass is not considered a drought tolerant grass, but with careful variety selection and proper placement it gives a beautiful lawn and can be water tolerant. Plant more drought tolerant grasses, such as a low-grow high-altitude mix, for outlying parts of the landscape. These grasses, once established, don’t need any extra watering through the year.
Your watering system is of vital importance. There are many irrigation systems available and you should consider the choices carefully. One option is to hire a professional irrigation system designer to get the most efficient use of water. Just remember a few tricks to extend your watering efficiency:
- Water in the morning or evening to lessen evaporation.
- Know the plants' needs and water accordingly. Group plants of similar water needs together and on a separate irrigation system from plants of dissimilar water needs. For example, junipers take far less water once established than, say, a narrow leaf cottonwood. Both trees thrive here, but each in its own micro climate.
- Try to keep irrigation as close to the ground as possible versus overhead watering. Soaker hoses or drip systems have less evaporation than the standard backyard sprinkler.
Here in Routt County, we typically have clay loam soil, which means the rate of watering can quickly exceed the soil's rate of infiltration. To correct this problem you will need to either reduce the water flow rate or allow time between watering for it to soak in so the water won't run off and be wasted.
Take advantage of the natural features of the lot or create berms that shape and shade the landscape. The house, berms or native trees can shade large parts of the landscape. Shading reduces water evaporation and creates opportunities for different plants. Not all plants need shading, but putting some thought into the site will decrease water use over the years.
Lastly, if starting out with a brand new landscape, plan to properly establish it. ALL landscapes need to be carefully watered for proper establishment. Even drought tolerant plants must be properly watered to become established. Plants that grow deep root systems will naturally need less watering later in life.
The ultimate goal of water conservation can easily be achieved with careful planning and forethought. Gone are the days when “xeriscaping” meant rocks, gravel and plastic sheeting. Instead, creatively planting natives plants, flowers, trees and shrubs into your landscape will often result in a thirty percent savings on home water bills. The best benefit, however, is that you will help ensure future generations will be able to enjoy our water supplies.
For more information consult your local Colorado State University Extension Office. The Routt County Extension office can be reached at (970) 879-0825 or drop in at 136 6th Street, Steamboat Springs.
Features
The Water Issue
Building on the Water
Don't Use It Don't Lose It
The
Hydrological Effects
of Beetle Kill
Water Quality in the
Yampa River Basin
Departments
The Green Scene
How Many Miles per Gallon Does this House Get?
Builder Perspectives
Decor & Style
Real Estate
Foreclosure in Steamboat Springs: Emerging Business Opportunities
Artist Profile
Archive
Winter 2007
Archive
Summer 2008