Summers in Medicine Hat are generally hotter and dryer than most other regions on the prairies, making effective watering and landscaping essential to growing plants that otherwise couldn't survive here.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
The dog days of summer have come and gone, but we are amid its hottest days. Following the (relatively) abundant precipitation we had in July and August, the coulees are back to muted tones, their dormant grasses escaping the blazing heat. Heat warnings have been the theme this past week, and this can take a toll on humans, animals and of course our landscapes.
Yards are often planted with species not normally found in this semi-arid environment. These plants provide us with so many benefits, the sanctuary of shading trees on the hottest of days, cooling the air around buildings and homes. Birds and pollinating insects make effective use of the trees, shrubs, and perennials we care for in our yards and open spaces. Some of us keep gardens to grow food, and the act of gardening has proven benefits to our mental, physical, and social wellbeing.
Drought is a primary stressor on plants, and this reduces their capacity to defend against pests and diseases. There are insects, for example, which have a much easier time tunnelling into a tree’s tissues when the tree is less hydrated.
While caring for our plants can be a challenge through the hottest days of summer, it is a challenge worth meeting and an informed and well-planned watering program will provide the best chance for success in maintaining plant health while also conserving water as the precious resource it is.
Here are some strategies for efficient and effective watering of your landscapes:
It starts with soil
Soil is a key factor in plant growth, and it plays a crucial role in water retention and availability to plant roots. A healthy soil type is half solids (clay, silt, sand, and organic matter) and half pore space (for water and air). A soil assessment will provide excellent information on these ratios, as well as pH and other related info, which can help to improve landscape management practices.
Strategically design
Every plant has unique requirements for sun exposure and watering. While it seems obvious to place plants with similar requirements together, changes occur over time; trees grow and cast more shade, or ground covering plants become more exposed following yard renovations. These distinct areas, each with unique light, wind, humidity, and drainage patterns, are microclimates.
It’s a good idea to do a survey of your yard, taking note of these areas, and see where some changes can be made to water more efficiently. If you have an irrigation system, you can consolidate drought resistant plants to specific zones, doing the same for plants that are not as drought tolerant, and set watering times accordingly. You’ll have healthier plants and do less battle with weeds if you can marry the plant’s needs with the correct location in your yard.
Xeriscaping is an excellent example of strategic design, with the goal of limiting water use. This type of landscaping utilizes hardy, drought tolerant plants that, while still requiring upkeep, do not require as much additional maintenance as traditional landscaping. Often, when practical, native plants are used in these landscapes. This is an expansive topic that we will delve into in a future article.
Water effectively
In this heat, water droplets evaporate rapidly. Water delivered closer to the soil surface, under the shelter of leaves, will stay longer and percolate through the soil profile into the root zone. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are excellent ways to deliver water to trees and shrubs, for example.
Water early in the morning if possible, or later in the evening once it has cooled down. Avoid watering in the middle of the day or when its windy, as most of it will not reach the root zone before evaporating. Focus on less frequent watering that irrigates the soil uniformly and deeply. This approach ensures that roots drive deeper into the soil profile, as plants with deeper roots are less susceptible to drought.
In the case of trees and shrubs, there is an area known as the “drip zone” which is the area beneath the furthest reach of the canopy. This ring area around the tree is a good area for the soaker hose.
Monitoring the results
While a visual check will often confirm turf moisture levels, a soil moisture probe is especially useful for checking that you are not over watering, which can be easy to do. Moisture sensors around trees are specific tools used to check the top 6 to 8 inches of soil, for accurate readings along the drip line area.
Water is a crucial resource for us all. Effective watering will help to ensure that our plants are vital through the hottest and driest months, while responsibly managing water use.
From all of us at parks and recreation, enjoy the rest of summer and happy gardening!
Jeff Quinlan is the parks technician for the City of Medicine Hat, which involves technical support for the department through research, insect and disease monitoring (of trees), and public education/engagement through things like the Adopt a Tree program and the annual Litter Blitz. Quinlan is an ISA certified arborist with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture. Prior to being in Medicine Hat, Quinlan also worked as a Japanese Garden Technician for several years at Nikka Yuko, Japanese Gardens in Lethbridge. His gardening tips will appear in the News throughout the growing season.
