eGuide to a WaterSmart Lifestyle

© SDCWA 2013

WaterSmart is where our San Diego lifestyle and water efficiency meet. Each step you take has the potential to enhance your lifestyle, increase the value of your home, save money and inspire a neighbor to do the same.

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2. 3. Ideas 1. 1. Drip emitter 2. Dripline 3. Micro-Sprayer Drip High efficiency 0.5"-5" per hour precipitation rate Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water perennials, shrubs and trees. You can also install it under new turf. Drip systems apply water so slowly that runoff is not an issue, and you can leave the water on long enough to reach the deep roots of shrubs and trees. Because you don't water the empty space between plants, you save a lot of water and grow fewer weeds. If you currently water perennials, shrubs and trees with spray heads, kits are available for converting the heads to drip irrigation. Unscrew a spray head and screw in an adapter, attach drip lines to the adapter, and attach emitters to the drip lines. Replace the remaining spray heads with screw-on caps and you're done. 6. Take Care of Your Trees You should water trees less frequently but for longer periods than shrubs and perennials. Give your trees their own irrigation zone, use drip irrigation and water each tree at the dripline – the outside edge of the tree's canopy. As the tree grows, move irrigation outward to stay at the dripline. If you water trees with drip emitters, add additional emitters as the tree grows and the circumference of the dripline increases. 97

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