4 minute read
SRCA Administration Office Open by Appointment Water in the Desert Southwest
By Randy Zellers SDL, Director of Operations
Normally, this article would be about scalping and over seeding turf this fall. However, due to the crazy year we are experiencing with extreme heat and lack of rain, a proactive view of how we look at our landscapes may be in order. As we know, the cost of water will never decrease and with our extended drought conditions in the West, com munities will be forced to choose how much water can be devoted to the landscape. Turf is the largest water user in the landscape, and we will need to be vigilant on how much turf we have and do we need to over seed in the fall. The near future may bring water restrictions and it is best to have these conversations now to be prepared for what may come.
As has been mentioned in the past, the criteria for turf should be functional and aesthetic. If it cannot fit both categories, it should be considered for removal to save water. Turf will use 4 times the amount of water annually than trees and shrubs. Eventually, small decorative, but not functional pieces of turf, will need to be eliminated due to difficulty in watering without runoff. We have all seen water run ning down the gutters in the street and if followed to the source, many times it will lead to a poorly planned turf patch being overwatered.
There have been large strides in the quality and look of artificial turf. This may be an option instead of live grass and will save labor, mate rial costs and water. Pet friendly artificial turf can drain well and eliminate pet odors, but we recommend leaving an irrigation system intact to occasionally wet the turf to cool the surface temperatures for dogs’ sensitive paws.
Scottsdale has experienced the hottest and driest May, June, and July in history. Record breaking days over 110 degrees with extraordinarily little to no rainfall has caused the landscape to go into survival mode. Not only have we had to add more water to our turf areas to keep them green, but our plants and trees have suffered as well. Many spe cies, like Lantana, which normally can handle heat and little rainfall, have been hit hard by the extreme weather. Groundcovers, in general, have suffered because of the reflective heat from the granite baking soil surfaces and drying leaf material out quickly between irrigations.
We often are asked for recommendations on run times and frequencies on irrigation systems by our clients. While every irrigation system is unique, one thing remains true…deep and infrequent watering is the best for desert plants. The logic is to drive the root mass lower into the cooler temperatures of the soil. Frequent and shallow watering results in roots staying close to the surface where soil temperatures are hot test. Some recommendations on how to set up your irrigation timers during the heat of summer:
Turf – 4 to 5 days per week for 5-10 minutes for pop up heads Turf – 4 to 5 days per week for 25-45 minutes for rotor heads Trees – 3 days per week for 2 hours for drip emitters (be sure the entire root ball is covered) Shrubs – 4 days per week for 1 hour Flowers – check moisture in soil and water to a depth of the root mass (each flower bed is different based on exposure)
As we have often mentioned, use your eyes to look for stressing in the landscape and adjust accordingly. Stay strong and we’ll make it through the summer.
Lake Serena Recreational Boat Rentals are Open!
Reserve kayaks, a paddle boat or a canoe!
Reservations are required.
All equipment will be sanitized after each use.
For details or to make a reservation please call the SRCA office at (480) 860-2022 or email Joni Shepherd at jshepherd@scottsdaleranch.org.
Docks and outside areas are also open for use. All areas will be power washed and sanitized weekly.
ATTENTION!!
The use of SRCA facilities and amenities are voluntary and at your own risk. Scottsdale Ranch Community Association cannot ensure that all areas are free of COVID–19 or other pathogens. The Association is not the guarantor of your personal safety.
Please check our website or with our office staff to see if the SRCA pontoon boat is available for lake tours.
Attention Scottsdale Ranch Residents!
Many of you have been away for the summer and we would like to Welcome you back! If you would like to change your primary mailing address from your Summer address to your Winter address, please contact Ricki Stamos at (480) 860-2022 or by email at rstamos@ scottsdaleranch.org, to have your contact information updated in our property management software. By doing this, you will be able to continue to receive important letters, mailers, invoices and the SRCA bi-monthly magazines over the coming months.
City of Scottsdale Collection Services
Upcoming Weeks of Brush Collection:
October 26th & November 30th
The earliest items can be placed out is the Wednesday prior to the week of pickup and must be placed out no later than 5:00 am on Monday the week of the scheduled pick up. Residents, please be considerate of your neighbors - do not put your items out before the designated dates. Please be patient as the City has all week to pick-up in our area.
NOTICES FROM THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE:
Please separate your brush and bulk pickup into two piles – one for green waste and one for everything else. The piles will be picked up by separate trucks during your designated brush and bulk pickup week.
