Landscaping Fresno
Water Efficient Landscaping Tips for the Fresno Area
LANDSCAPING FRESNO
Landscaping in the Central Valley is unique. The climate is “Mediterranean,” meaning that there are conditions here which are similar to the countries adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. These conditions are dry, hot summers and cold, damp winters. Parts of Australia and South Africa also have “Mediterranean” climates. Because we have little rainfall, most gardens are irrigated.
The soil is rich in minerals, originating in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hundreds of crops and ornamental plants thrive here, nearly all requiring irrigation.
Good soil preparation and an efficient irrigation system are crucial steps for a successful landscape in this area. Many parts of the Valley have “hard pan” which is an impermeable layer of soil that essentially acts like cement: water and roots cannot pass through it. Roots may rot since the water is held in the soil above the pan layer. To correct this problem, drilling and/or blasting are often necessary. In some cases, building up the soil by adding top soil and a retaining wall of some kind (complete with drainage holes) is the best solution.
Other areas of the Valley have sandy soil which drains very quickly, leaching out nutrients, and drying in a short time. Sandy soil often benefits from added organic matter which holds the nutrients, making them available for plant growth. Clay and loam are also found in the Valley, benefiting from specific cultural practices. Matching up the soil type for your area with the most appropriate plant material for that soil will improve your chances of success.
An irrigation controller capable of multiple settings can simplify these diverse situations.
WATER CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE PROGRAM
Free Customer Landscape Services
The Water Conservation Program provides landscape services to our water customers, including consultations and information to help save water in the yard. We conduct landscape leak surveys, look at the efficiency of your irrigation system and teach you to set your timers. Contact us at (559) 621-5480 for more information City landscape services.
Landscape Surveys - Free landscape irrigation consultation for residential or commercial/industrial. We provide irrigation and plant material tips, and how to set your timer.
Set Irrigation Timers - Learn to set landscape irrigation timers. We visit your site and teach you how to set your timer. This is a Free service.
How long should I run my controller? Click below:
Landscape Lawn Watering Time Guide
EXEMPTION
Annual Watering Exemption Application - Only for large landscape facilities over 3 acres.
LOCAL DEMONSTRATION GARDENS
Landscape Resources: Places to Visit! Things to Read! Web sites! Includes: Automatic Irrigation Sprinkler Check List;
Mow Higher and Water Smarter; Principles of Xeriscape
NEW!
Water-wise Garden - Fresno Region, is a valuable resource you can use for ideas and plants that grow well in the San Joaquin Valley. Beautiful Fresno region yards and gardens are highlighted along with the plant selection information and water needs.
Creating a Fresno-Friendly Garden brochure
Or call 621-5480 to request a brochure or look for a display at a local nursery! Click here for Local Nurseries displaying our brochure.
Creating a Water-wise Landscape
Seven Steps to Follow for Our Climate
Irrigating Your Garden
Lawn Watering Time Guide
How to Set Your Timer
LANDSCAPE EVENTS
See Creating a Fresno-Friendly Garden brochure above for a listing of waterwise plants.
2012 Water-wise Plant Exchange flyer
Photos from past events:
2009 Water-wise Plant Exchange
2010 Water-wise Plant Exchange
2011 Water-wise Plant Exchange
2012 Water-wise Plant Exchange
Central Valley Friendly Landscaping & Awards Program Webpage
Brochure
Introducing the Central Valley Friendly Landscape Award program - 2011 was the debut of the Central Valley Friendly Landscape Award program in the Fresno/Clovis Metropolitan Area. The awards program currently apply to the cities of Fresno and Clovis, but the information on the website will be useful to any Central Valley gardeners with the desire to learn how to change their gardening practices to friendlier ones. In 2011 we discovered several individuals who currently practice Central Valley Friendly landscape principles and we look forward to the future when we meet others who have learned and modified their habits and are striving to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable home, environment, and community.