Landscape Watering Reminder for March
 

March is a transitional month when warm days will nudge Bermuda grass and other cold-sensitive plants out of dormancy. This means plants will need to be watered more frequently. Many desert trees such as mesquites will look sparse right now. It's normal! They will drop their leaves and leaf out with new growth soon. Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years). RECOMMENDATIONS Lawn watering: Dormant summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 14 days Overseeded cool season grass - once every 7 days If trees and shrubs are on the same valve: Desert adapted - once every 25 days High water use - once every 12 days Tree watering: Desert adapted - once every 30 days High water use - once every 14 days

Shrub watering: Desert adapted - once every 21 days High water use - once every 10 days Groundcover and vine watering: Desert adapted - once every 21 days High water use - once every 10 days Cacti and succulent watering - once every 28 days Annuals watering - once every 6 days Native wildflowers - once every 10 days

Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.

**Reduce your landscape watering 30 to 50 percent by adjusting your irrigation each season.** "Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert" will help you determine how much water to apply and how long to run your system. Visit the interactive Web site or request a free copy of the booklet at http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/waterguide/index.shtml.

Bonus tip: If you've dreamed about self-adjusting irrigation timers, they are now available. These "SMART" controllers apply water by monitoring weather conditions or soil moisture, and then all scheduling is done automatically. Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pp/controltech_overview.htm.

SRP is offering a great opportunity to purchase a SMART controller at half price. Visit http://www.srpnet.com/water/discount.aspx.

Sign up for a free monthly watering reminder
This online subscription service delivers a monthly e-mail outlining the appropriate watering frequencies for the different times of the year (as shown above). The service also includes reminders to turn off irrigation when there has been adequate rainfall.

To register, visit www.Mesaaz.gov and click on List Subscribe located in the left navigation bar. Choose Landscape Watering Reminder, and follow the registration instructions. You can remove your name from the list at any time.

For more information about Mesa’s water conservation programs, visit www.Mesaaz.gov/utilities/conservation.