if water consumption is not reduced, Colorado Springs will be faced with water restrictions.
Your business can make a lasting impact.
Lake Meade, the largest water reservoir in the United States, has reached an all time low. The entire Colorado River Basin and Lake Powell are also in dire condition. As a member of the 7 state Colorado River Compact, signed in 1922, the water levels at Lake Meade will impact water use in Colorado. This compact would allow the lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) to place a call for water on the upper basin states (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming) requiring water restrictions to be implemented. Colorado Springs residents rely on the Colorado River for 70% of their water. Add drought conditions, low snowpack, and population growth in to the equation and Colorado Springs businesses MUST make adjustments to water usage. While there is currently has 2.6 years of water demand in storage we are joining Colorado Springs Utilities in the need to bolster storage amounts through smart landscape design, install, and management.
The good news? Timberline’s experts are well versed in water conserving measures that your business can adopt. Our local businesses and HOA’s are our best hope of reducing consumption. We hope these tips will help our clients:
- Take proactive approach to utilize native plant material, which are adapted to out climate.
- Adopt landscape design ideals are aesthetically pleasing AND water conscious.
- Utilize Smart irrigation and technology to help plant material thrive, without overwatering or wasting water.
Things you can do
- Follow Water Wise Regulations
- Seek Water Savings Inside Your Home
- Smart Irrigation Controllers
- Rain Sensors
- Utilize Wetting Agents
- Conduct an Irrigation Audit
- Renovate Dated Irrigation Systems
- Convert Turf to Native Grass or Xeriscape
- Implement Low Water Use or Native Plants
- Adopt a “No Bare Feet=No Turf” Mindset
- Amend Soil Before Planting
- Fertilize Trees, Shrubs, and Turf
- Artificial Turf
- Follow Maintenance & Irrigation Best Management Practices
Timberline Resources
Smart Irrigation
Design and maintenance changes can have a positive effect on your water usage. These practices will help you conserve water and benefit the environment.
Landscaping with Native Plants
When native plants are sited correctly they require reduced external inputs such as watering, fertilize and pruning.
External Resources
Need more information?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we can help you manage your water usage through efficient landscaping or irrigation assistance.
FAQ
How Can Wetting Agents Help?
Wetting agents are a surfactant. Surfactants aid in the reduction of surface tension in a liquid where it dissolves. So wetting agents attract and help water soak into the soil beyond the surface. This reduces water waste and helps plants thrive.
Where do native Grass conversions make sense?
Kentucky Bluegrass is not necessary in every area that there’s turf. Detention and retention ponds, open spaces, and green belts are areas that would reduce water usage if converted to native grass. Consider sections that are of passive use, lawns that are of non-recreational use and large expanses that receive little foot traffic for conversion as well. “No bare feet, no turf grass.”
What rebates are available?
Colorado Springs Utilities offers rebates for businesses that use less water and also convert to native grass. They are first-come first-served and have qualifications that your business must meet.
Irrigation efficiency rebates exist with CSU to help pay for projects that, “improve the efficiency of existing sprinkler systems.” This includes work such as updating irrigation schedules, fixing leaks, and repairing/replacing sprinkler heads, nozzles and controllers. Certified irrigation contractors are required to complete the work. CSU offers free irrigation audits that can help start the process.
Should I still winter water?
Yes. Winter watering aids in establishment of plant material and is important in long-term maintenance plans. What’s planted out here in Colorado springs is not native. In order for these plants to come out their best in the springtime you have to water them.
There are good rules of thumb for watering the right amount in the winter. Measure your tree with calipers 12″ from the ground. Your tree/shrub should get 10 gallons of water per caliper inch. The frequency will depend on the weather. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with a Timberline expert.
How do I use soil amendments and why should i use them?
Amending your soil improves the soil health and provides nutrients to plant material. This creates a better environment for the root system to thrive. With a new landscape, soil amendments are required for turf in Colorado Springs at 4 cubic yards per 1,000 sq ft. It’s difficult, but not impossible, to add soil amendments into an existing landscape. Perform a soil test first to ensure you apply what your soil and plants need.
As a best practice, amendments should be tilled in to the area, not just laid on top of existing soil. The best time to do this would be in the spring when the grass isn’t growing. Aerate your lawn and topdress with soil amendments. Make sure that you rake it into all of the holes. We recommend adding soil amendments to planting beds as well.
