COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING: TIPS FOR SAVING ON WATER COSTS AND REDUCING WATER USAGE BY 25-55%

Synthetic Lawn

For large commercial properties, water costs can be a large part of the budget, particularly in the late spring, summer and early fall. It is important to review your water usage through a thorough irrigation audit, as well as assess the current type of landscaping. A water-efficient, sustainable landscape can reduce water use by 25-55%.

- Place plants with similar water needs together for more efficient use of water

- Use plants that are native to the region. Once they are established, they will require little to no water.

- Apply a ground cover over planter beds, such as gravel or mulch to help retain water and help prevent water-consuming weeds from cropping up.

- Convert turf areas to synthetic lawn or gravel, or choose a grass type that requires less water. Buffalo or Bermuda grass need 20% less water than other species.

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​- Set irrigation watering times to early morning when it is cooler to prevent unnecessary water loss to evaporation.

- Install tree wells around the base of trees and apply mulch. These tips will help to keep the tree roots moist.

- Avoid excessive hardscaping. Too much hardscaping can encourage a heat island effect, raising the temperature of the property and thus, raising water needs for the vegetation.

- Keep your soil healthy. Soil with sufficient organic matter, structure, infiltration rate and adequate micronutrients will decrease watering needs.