Santa Barbara Irrigation – SB Evolution landscaping
Doing Better with Irrigation
When we know more, we can do better. And how we water our landscapes is a great example of this mantra. Here in Southern California, we have seen firsthand the effects of droughty weather, drying winds, and wildfire. What we’ve learned from these environmental concerns has informed our approach to landscape and irrigation design. While drought-tolerant plant material is a must, watering is still a key part of maintaining a landscape, especially during our hottest months.
Enter efficient irrigation, designed to put water where it needs to go, and to only do so when absolutely necessary. An automatic controller comes almost standard to any new system, and is a veritable first step in ensuring an efficient sprinkling system. However, the controller itself is only as good as the person programming it. Knowing how to schedule and program the controller for effective watering is just as important as having it in the first place. Therefore, a system is usually best designed and installed by a seasoned irrigation contractor who can look at prevailing wind patterns, soil types, planting layout, and microclimate factors to determine where, how, and when to water.
Add to the controller a moisture sensor that determines when to halt the system in times of rain and the system takes on another level of sustainability. Moisture sensors come in several different forms, from a unit that attaches just outside the building where the controller is to in-ground sensors that can relay data on how much groundwater is available at plants’ root systems.
Drip irrigation is considered the ultimate in efficient irrigation, and is generally the first thing people think of when they decide they want an environmentally responsible system. Flexible tubing, equipped with evenly-spaced emitters, sits low to (or below) the ground, weaving in and out of plants, putting water right where it’s needed: at the root zone. But is drip irrigation truly the right solution for all kinds of irrigation?
To the lay person interested in doing their part for the environment, it may sound to be, but there are instances in which micro-irrigation or even low spray heads might be better, using higher pressure to deliver more water to plants when needed. The localized nature of drip irrigation is actually not lost on these alternate methods, and thus putting water where it’s needed should be the true goal of efficient irrigation. Opting for a system that minimizes water loss is commendable, but to see it through, the design and installation is best left in the hands of a professional who understands the local climate, its soil types, and plants’ needs.
Why Choose Us?
Retaining a professional gardener does not mean relinquishing credit for your lush garden. Sometimes even the most dedicated homeowners know that calling in help is part of the job of maintaining a stunning landscape. And even if you deem yourself a “black thumb” when it comes to gardening, do not give up on the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of your outdoors. Your Santa Barbara gardener and landscape professional can help create a maintenance program that is right for your budget and your garden.
