Watershed Texas

Water restrictions may be a way of life for some time, yet, this does not mean our landscapes must evolve into gravel and cactus. It is time to take a new look at how we prepare and maintain our landscapes making them more resilient and more WaterSmart, especially during our hot summer months.

• Choose plants that suit our climate and the spot in which they are planted. Native plants and non-invasive adapted WaterSmart plants are well adapted to our periods of drought and flood.
• Train plants to require less water by slowly backing off the amount you currently use. Most established plants and turf grass can get by on one inch of water once or twice per week.
• Use compost to help the soil hold more water and to retain more rainfall and irrigation in the yard. As compost breaks down, it improves the health of the soil, which helps plants survive stressful conditions like drought and disease. Also, the beneficial microbes and microorganisms in compost break up compacted soils, allowing water to penetrate.
• Add mulch to a depth of 2 to 3 inches to conserve moisture, reduce soil compaction, and keep the plant roots at a more even temperature.
• Water less often but more deeply to force the plants’ roots to grow deeper in search of water. Roots that grow near the surface will dry out quickly.
• Use a water catchment device like a rain barrel or cistern to collect rain water. This will give you a supply of water during drought periods.