Dear Residents:
This oppressive heat is and the dry spell doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. July and August are always the worst which means our plants, flowers and trees are all struggling to survive. If you have a few minutes in the morning or evening around dusk, these are the most ideal times to water. Here are a few tips to ensure the watering is effective for the plants and we’re not wasting excess water:
- Deep soaking — if you let the hose run on low pressure directly at the area you’re watering and ONLY at the BASE of the plants, the deep soaking will ensure the water soaks down to the roots where the plants need it. Do NOT water the foliage as you’ll waste water and this can lead to fungal growth on the leaves.
- Early morning or sunset — These are the most ideal times to water (most preferable in evening) because the water can again soak to the roots where it’s needed. Watering during the heat of the day causes evaporation and the watering effort is wasted. Watering at night is most successful.
- Water conservation — I think we all know what a precious resource water is for us and we should all be conserving where possible. If you choose to use a sprinkler to water, only use it for a large grassy area and target your sprinkler so water doesn’t run off to the sidewalks. Keep the water on the soil only!
Finally, if you do not have a hose or you need help with watering an area of your front or back common area, please email us and the grounds team may be able to help.