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<br />Drouaht: Landscape Manaaement <br /> <br />. Description <br /> <br />Manage landscapes using the most water-efficient techniques during <br />drought conditions. <br />This BMP has been adapted directly from "Coping with Drought: <br />Water Restrictions and the Landscape" by Patrick McCarty, <br />Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Agent, Garfield <br />County, and Dr. Curtis E. Swift, Area Extension Horticulture Agent, <br />Grand Junction as posted on <br />http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoovExt/TRA/PLANTS/drought.htm <br />l. This guidance will continue to be updated as conditions change. <br /> <br />BMP Type <br />Des~n X <br />Installation X <br />Maintenance/Operations X <br />Green Industry Relevance <br />AS LA X GCC X <br />ALCC X ISA X <br />CALCP X RMSGA X <br />CGGA X WFC <br />CNA X <br /> <br />Note: At the time of publication of this BMP Manual, Colorado was experiencing a drought. Many web <br />sites and publications are available with specific guidance for drought. The information selected from <br />McCarty and Swift (2002) has been reproduced in this manual because is provides a good overview of <br />practices appropriate for drought consistent with the BMPs included in this manual, <br /> <br />Basic Practice Guidelines <br /> <br />Lawn Aeration <br /> <br />1. Aerate the lawn in the spring and again in the fall to obtain these benefits: <br />· improving water penetration into compacted soils and through thatch and mat layers <br />· improving fertilizer movement to the turf roots <br />· allowing greater levels of oxygen to reach the soil in exchange for carbon dioxide and other gases <br />· enhancing turfgrass shoot and root development <br />· reducing water runoff (runoff from turf areas may carry pesticide residues and fertilizers into <br />neighboring storm drains and streams causing pollution problems) <br />2. The spike-type aerators that push a large solid spike into the soil increase compaction in heavy clay soils. <br />Aerating loosens the soil, rather than compacting it further. Use the type of aerator that removes a core <br />of soil. <br />Irrigation System Maintenance <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3. Frequently check irrigation systems, hoses and sprinklers for leaks. Spring is a great time to check the <br />irrigation system for consistency, uneven water coverage, and leaks. Place straight-sided cans or glasses <br />in the area to be irrigated. Turn the sprinkler system on for a set length of time and measure the amount <br />of water collected in the containers during that time. <br />4. Using containers to measure the amount of water applied will pinpoint any variation in water distribution <br />in the irrigated area. Plugged heads, improper spacing of sprinkler heads, etc. can be identified and <br />subsequently corrected by using this method. <br />5. The amount of water applied and the depth of water penetration should be rechecked occasionally during <br />the summer months to avoid problems that develop from clogged or twisted heads. Reset or clean heads <br />as necessary. <br />Landscape Installation <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />6. If establishing a new lawn, prepare the soil properly; this will increase rooting depth and spread and <br /> <br />increase drought tolerance of the grass. Proper soil preparation means the addition of organic matter and <br /> <br />Colorado Water Consexvation Board <br />Flood Protection. Water Supply Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Consexvation and Drought Planning <br />