Basics of Irrigation
This is the first of a three-part blog series that will introduce you to all things irrigation including basic principles of irrigation systems, laying out a system, and brand recommendations along with handy tips and tricks!
Irrigation Fundamentals
Water is an essential natural resource which all plants need to survive. At the same time, our planet needs water conservation to maintain ecological balance. Carefully planned irrigation systems optimize and create harmony within the various needs of the land. The amount of water needed for an irrigation system will vary greatly by soil type. Some plants require consistent moisture and therefore love heavier soils that retain water; other plants love dry rocky soils that drain quickly. Plants will thrive if you select the proper soil type and location for your nursery stock and then water accordingly.
Irrigation Fun Fact:
Many plants only need 2 to 3 years of consistent watering to help get them established. Plants in Garden Girl’s garden receive loving attention and irrigation for the first two years, and then it’s “survival of the fittest.” Careful plant selection and placement will help create a landscape that’s both economical and ecological!
Garden Girl has been in hundreds of backyards and has seen all kinds of interesting watering techniques by the home gardener. One of the most unusual was a high-powered sprinkler th ]at sent out water with the intensity of a fire hose and drowned the poor plants. Unfortunately, there was no reasoning with that homeowner since he “knew it all” and was not open to laying out drip irrigation to gently soak the plants at the base. About six months later the spouse called to say all the plants were dead and upon reviewing the pictures it indeed looked like a wasteland. The spouse ended up having drip irrigation installed while he was away on business and replaced the nursery stock which are thriving today!
Download our FREE Quick Reference Irrigation Cheat Sheet here.
Tips for healthy trees and maximizing water usage!
More water is not necessarily better! Overwatering is a common cause of new trees dying. Check if you are overwatering by digging 6-8” down; if you can grab a handful of soil and wring water out of it, you can cut back on irrigation.
Even in rainy climates, trees may need additional irrigation. Many trees have thick canopies that often prevent rainwater from soaking through deeper than the top of the root balls.
Put water in the soil, not on the tree! This helps avoid fungal diseases.
Check typical first and last frost dates for your area and don’t water while there is still a threat of freezing temperatures. In many areas of the Pacific Northwest, frost occurs between November and March.
Avoid runoff. Trees planted on slopes can be tricky to water without your irrigation ending up at the bottom of your hill. Build a basin to keep the water from escaping.