Plant Now, Plant Native For Water Savings

Do you have a few shrubs that didn’t survive this winter’s frost & freezes?

Do you have a west facing wall or window that would benefit from some shade come summer?

Perhaps you’re transforming your water intensive landscape into a one that requires less water?

Well, now is one of the best times of the year to plant in the Sonoran Desert. Trees, shrubs, and ground covers planted now, rather than in May or June, can take advantage of the cool spring temperatures and the low evaporation rate. They’ll require less water to establish themselves now, saving you water and money both now and in the long run. On average, more than half of residential water use is for outdoor use. So, here are the top ten things to consider when planting native and desert adapted trees, shrubs, and ground covers this season:

They require less water, saving you water and dollars on your water bill.

Once established, native and desert adapted plants can sustain themselves on the natural rainfall.

Native vegetation is best suited to the soil types and extreme temperatures of the Sonoran Desert, they live longer and are healthier in their natural environment, important considerations when choosing any plant.

Native or desert adapted vegetation can and should be planted in depressions or earth swales to take advantage of rainwater runoff.

A couple of inches of mulch or groundcover vegetation will reduce the evaporation from your plant and save you even more.

Water early, slow, and deep a few times a week to help your new tree or shrub establish a good root system.

Using harvested rainwater and graywater to establish vegetation can offset any temporary increase in water use required for establishing plants.

It will take one or two years for vegetation to establish itself.

Almost any plant will need supplemental irrigation in times of drought.

A graywater system is a great source for supplemental irrigation water.

The WaterCASA website has links to programs and agencies that provide information on outdoor water use and savings. Now is a great time to visit local resources such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul Park, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens to get plants and planting ideas for your own garden.

Plant Now, Plant Native For Water Savings

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