By: Laura Mills
Oregon is known for many things: beer, hipsters, beautiful natural areas, beards and rain. People never cease to comment about Oregon and rain, so it may seem odd that we’re writing about irrigation. And that was the question I proposed to our Landscape Designer, Lars: why does an Oregon landscape need irrigation?
He resolutely replied that Oregon has a Mediterranean climate. And though we’re a far cry from the sun-drenched Rivera we have a similarity in our patterns: Mediterranean climates have very dry summers and relatively mild winters. You will only use your system six months out of the year, he continued, but during those six months it is imperative. Our dry summers can torment plants and an irrigation system keeps your landscape performing at its best.
He then went on to explain that watering comes down to a plant’s requirements, not the type of system you have. Irrigation systems are useful because you can tailor watering to the specific needs of the plant. Generally speaking drip irrigation is used for shrubs and perennials where you want accurate watering, and spray irrigation is used for lawns where broader strokes are sufficient.
If you have a basic system that waters strictly based on timing there have been major advancements in irrigation control. The Rainbird Smart Control System monitors current weather conditions and automatically compensates based historical weather data for your zip code. This smart control system reduces unnecessary watering while keeping your plants and lawn content. Professionally installed irrigation systems take into account soil type and slope as well as the needs of each plant. A plan is necessary to account for the issues of the site and trenching is required to properly lay-out the irrigation lines before the Smart Control System can be put in. Once in place, an irrigation system will reduce worry and waste, saving you time and allowing you to focus on the things that matter.
Lars also pointed out that if you’re trying to reduce your overall water usage, most standard lawns require an inch of water a week, lawns planted with Water Warden, a type of fescue, require only one inch of water a month! Water Warden is deeper rooting and therefore is better at providing for itself in times of drought. If you want to reduce your water needs, but still want a lawn, consider replacing your conventional grass with Water Warden.
Lars also highlighted some watering tips. Water in the morning, he simply stated, this allows things to dry before the cool of night, preventing fungal issues.
Water as infrequently as possible, but soak, he added fervently. Deep but infrequent soaking encourages plants to be more self-sustaining; they will be trained to seek out their own water. He also recommends incorporating ‘signal plants’ into the landscape. Signal plants have higher water needs and are the proverbial canary in the mine, signaling when water is required. Hydrangeas and annuals are great indictors of water status.
A professionally installed irrigation system from Dennis’ 7 Dees will allow you to enjoy the hot summer months ahead without worry. Allow our full-service Design and Irrigation team get you started so you can focus on the joys of summer.
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