Navigating the Heat: Landscape Practices and News from Sonoma County to South Africa
Sundance, owner of From the Ground Up’s cat, hiking above the Sonoma Developmental Center in Glen Ellen, CA.
Welcome to this week's landscape industry news update! As we approach late-July, heatwaves are a significant concern for many regions. In this post, we'll explore the impact of extreme heat on your plantings, innovative irrigation practices, and global strategies to combat heat-related challenges in landscaping. Let's dive into the latest updates from Sonoma County, national trends, and insights from similar growing regions in Australia and South Africa.
Local News: Sonoma County's Response to Heatwaves
Sonoma County has been experiencing a series of heatwaves, prompting the Department of Emergency Management to open several cooling centers across the region. With temperatures expected to reach triple digits for six consecutive days, these centers provide a vital resource for residents seeking relief from the heat. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures on public health and safety (County Of Sonoma).
Are your plants dealing with heat stress?
In terms of landscaping, there are certain signs to watch for in your plants. Wilted drooping leaves is the best known sign but also sunburn. We recommend watering thoroughly in the morning, add mulch and sometimes even pulling out a sun umbrella to give them a bit of shade. (Marin Master Gardeners).
National News: Innovative Irrigation Practices
Opt Connect Smart Irrigation
Across the United States, innovative irrigation practices are gaining traction as landscapers seek to optimize water use amid increasing heatwaves. Smart irrigation systems, which utilize weather data and soil moisture sensors, are becoming more popular. These systems adjust watering schedules based on real-time conditions, ensuring plants receive the right amount of water without waste. This technology not only conserves water but also promotes healthier plant growth by preventing overwatering.
Additionally, xeriscaping, originally coined in Denver Colorado, is a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water. Xeriscape is being adopted in many drought-prone areas. By using native plants and efficient irrigation techniques, homeowners can create attractive, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive in hot, dry climates.
Global News: Strategies from Australia and Parts of Africa
Heatwaves are a global issue, and countries like Australia and parts of Africa, which have a similar growing climate to Northern California. In response to increasing heatwaves, Australian landscaping companies are adopting innovative measures to cope with extreme temperatures. For instance, Earth Creation Landscapes utilizes drought-resistant plants, advanced irrigation techniques, and mulching to retain soil moisture and protect plants from heat stress (Davey Tree Blog). This is a practice we use on every landscape we install here in Northern California.
The Water Project
The Water Project is tackling this in a number of rural areas in different African countries. In more urban areas Wetec integrates rainwater harvesting with smart irrigation equipment. These systems collect rainwater from rooftops and store it in mosquito-proof tanks for use in garden irrigation, laundry, and other outdoor needs, significantly reducing dependence on municipal water supplies. This approach not only helps conserve water but also ensures that landscapes remain lush and healthy during periods of extreme heat (Smart Water Tank Level Indicator) (Wetec).
Red Echinacea, a great flower for hot areas.
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, adopting sustainable landscaping practices is crucial. From Sonoma County's cooling centers to innovative irrigation systems in the US and global strategies from Australia and South Africa, there are many ways to create beautiful, resilient landscapes that can thrive in extreme conditions. Stay tuned for next week's update, where we'll continue to explore the latest trends and news in the landscape industry.
Sources:
Smart Irrigation Systems: A Guide
·The Benefits of Smart Irrigation Systems