As the primary growing season ends, fields that once brimmed with crops begin to look bare. But for many farmers, the end of one season merely signals the beginning of another: the off-season. Spanning the fall and winter months, this period doesn’t mean rest for the land. Instead, it offers an opportunity to plant cover crops with many benefits. These include enhancing soil health and staving off erosion. For some, it might even mean an… Read more »
Tag: irrigation
Categories5 Reasons Why A Scientifically Generated Irrigation Schedule Is Best For Your Landscape
A lush, vibrant landscape that flourishes requires more than just a green thumb. It demands a scientific approach to irrigation. Unfortunately, making all the calculations needed to properly schedule irrigation is a time-consuming task only a few understand. If you need help understanding that, check out the video at the end of this article and see what goes into adequately scheduling irrigation. However, utilizing a scientifically generated irrigation schedule can optimize water usage, promote plant… Read more »
My Letter to Santa: All I want for Christmas is better water management
Dear Mr. Claus; I hope this letter finds you, Mrs. Claus, the elf’s and Reindeer all well. I trust you are all preparing for a busy season crafting toys, working on travel logistics and making wishes come true. (And I thought I had a tough job). I was a little reluctant to write this letter because I have reviewed a few of the extensive and detailed list of demands from some of the 8 year… Read more »
A Trip To The Hill
Today is day two of the Irrigation Association’s Advocacy Day in Washington DC. This is running in conjunction with PLANET’s legislative day on Capitol Hill and Renewal and Remembrance, the day PLANET members volunteer manpower and equipment to enhance the beauty of Arlington National Cemetery. Each year, this event draws hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals from across the country to Arlington National Cemetery to spend the day mulching, cabling,… Read more »
Water Management 102
Each day I become more aware how important it is to educate customers about proper water management. When customers understand the premises of water management, they value the benefits of certifications, case studies, and training a professional contractor provides through a team of expert water managers. Trilogy at Glen Ivy is a development that understands the value of proper water management. It is located in the heart of Southern California’s Temescal Valley less than an… Read more »
A Little Louder Please
There is little doubt in my mind we are headed toward another drought in California. If you look at the drought monitor for California we are quickly trending in the wrong direction. It’s been a little over a year since Governor Jerry Brown declared the drought for California was officially over. Many periodicals and headlines proclaim the same great news. At the time I couldn’t help but wonder if the news was… Read more »
The Future of Non-Potable Water Use
As potable water supplies dwindle and the cost per gallon rises, we have to be vigilant about how much we use and how we use it. One way to conserve potable water is to use non-potable water—rainwater, air conditioning condensate, stormwater run-off and treated wastewater—for purposes like landscape irrigation. Initiatives such as the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Program are driving the use of alternative water sources and the development of… Read more »
The Bottom Line for Green is Black
The theme for the fourth annual Sustainable Urban Landscape conference being held at Cuyamaca College March 8 is “The Bottom Line for Green is Black,” examining the ways that good landscaping practices can be a profitable business model in addition to helping the environment. Architect John Picard, known as the “green prophet” for his pioneering work in sustainability is the key note speaker for event…. Read more »
If You Have a Problem We Have a Solution.
BACKGROUND The scenic canyon location of this Santa Ynez community is a major draw for residents who enjoy views from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. But the hillside slopes surrounding the community proved problematic for the homeowners’ association. Faced with an aging irrigation system prone to breaking, the board decided to take action to prevent costly water loss from ruptures and to address serious soil erosion problems threatening homes. PROJECT SCOPE Santa… Read more »
Don't Miss This Year's Landscape Industry Show
Next week is the 2012 Landscape Industry Show sponsored by the California Landscape Contractor’s Association. The show is titled “Back in the Game” and if you ask me, the CLCA has gotten back in the game. The past few years I believe the show experienced a decrease in attendance, but this year the CLCA is back with some new offerings and I think this year has the potential to be… Read more »
Stocks
American Water Works - AWK
Aqua America - WTR
California Water Service Group - CWT
American States Water Company - AWR
