Currently across much of North Carolina, including here in Buncombe County, we are experiencing severe drought symptoms. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, much of Buncombe county is experiencing what is classified as an extreme drought. With dry conditions expected to persist in long-term forecast predictions, it is worth discussing landscape water management as it pertains to how to efficiently apply and manage water.

• Prioritize Vulnerable Plant Material

Newly planted turf or landscape plantings should be prioritized when deciding which plants to water first. Plants that have yet to fully establish themselves are most susceptible to serious drought injury, so prioritize watering those plants first. Woody plants that have been planted less than 1 year are generally considered new plantings. Herbaceous plants and woody plants, however, can take up to 3 years to fully establish themselves in the landscape. Prioritizing watering those newly planted areas is critical to ensure survival in dry spells. Established lawns can go dormant during dry periods of weather with minimal long-term impact to the health of the lawn. Lawns that go dormant during the summer time (which happens to many cool-season grasses we utilize here in WNC) can go about 3 weeks in between waterings with no long-term impact to the overall health of the turf. 

• Water Deeply, Infrequently, and Early

Supplemental irrigation supplied by irrigation systems should be installed with weather monitoring capabilities to prevent watering during rainfall events. They should be set up to water less frequently- 2 to 3 times a week- but for longer periods of time to ensure water is getting into the root zones of the treated plants. Shallow watering encourages shallow roots. Watering deeply encourages drought resilience in turfgrasses and in ornamental plants. The best time of day to water is generally early in the morning between 5:00am-9:00am. This prevents water loss through evaporation during the hot times of day, and allows foliage to dry, preventing fungal issues from occurring when leaves remain wet for longer periods of time. It is generally recommended to apply 1” of water per week. Monitor rainfall amounts and adjust scheduling of irrigation controllers accordingly during dry periods. 

• Protect by Mulching

A layer of organic mulch can keep plant roots cooler and maintain ground moisture. It is generally recommended to supply 2-3 inches of mulch material around the dripline of trees/shrubs. This slows water loss in the soil and retains moisture where irrigation may be applied.

• Designing A Water Efficient Landscape

Utilizing design principles that conserve water is beneficial, especially if you are planning new gardens and landscaping. See a list of drought-tolerant plants on our NCSU Plant Toolbox. Incorporating rain barrels, and other forms of water capture, recycles water from residential roofs. Use this to irrigate plants in the landscape. Zone plants in your outdoor spaces from the get-go by “hydrozoning” or organizing plants by their hydration needs when designing resilient landscaping.

• Perform Irrigation System Audits

Conducting routine audits of irrigation systems is a great practice any green industry professional can do. Start by taking inventory of the system to make sure it is functioning properly. Check valves, sprinklers, and above ground spray heads for leaks or worn out emitters. Use the “catch-can” method to determine spray uniformity and precipitation level. Adjust coverage and output to minimize any overwatering or underwatering. Direct water where it is needed most. For more information about the catch-can method, see the resources below.

It takes all of us doing our part to ensure responsible water usage in our landscapes. Set yourself apart as a green industry professional by providing your clients and customers the knowledge of efficient watering practices as part of your overall landscape management plan. 

For more information, see the following factsheets: 

NCSU Extension- Landscape Auditing Made Simple

Water Management Options- NCDEQ Factsheet

Irrigation Resources for NC Irrigators

NCSU Plant Toolbox- Plants Resistant to Drought