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.

CITY OF FRESNO 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 surveys and teach you to set your timers. Contact us at (559) 621-5480 for more information City landscape services.

LITERATURE WORTH READING
Click here for:
Creating a Fresno-Friendly Garden brochure
Irrigating Your Lawn
Lawn Watering Time Guide
How to Set Your Timer
Lawn Mowing - Mow Higher & Water Smarter
Example of Valley Friendly Planting
Principles of Xeriscape
Landscape Resources - Read, Visit, Search!

EXEMPTION
Annual Watering Exemption Application - Only for large landscape facilities over 3 acres.

EVENTS
2009 Water-wise Plant Exchange

IMPORTANT LINKS
Clovis Botanical Garden
Great local example of attractive water-wise, Mediterranean climate trees, shrubs and perennials.

Garden of the Sun
The University of California Cooperative Extension in Fresno County has developed a one acre ornamental and food production demonstation garden at the Discovery Center, located at 1944 N Winery.