As the mercury rises in May, Mesa residents are reminded to adjust their watering habits to keep their gardens thriving without wasting precious H2O. The season's spike in temperature - back into the low- to mid-90s - coupled with low humidity and windy days, quickly saps moisture from both soil and flora. The city's official bulletin advises folks to give their plants a good drink of water, especially during a breezy day, while cautioning against using sprinklers during gusty periods to avoid unnecessary water loss.
According to guidance aiming to prevent residents from over or under-watering, grass varieties like Bermuda should be watered once every four to five days, while overseeded cool season grass needs hydration once every three days. The city also offers a vital incentive program, providing up to $1,100 for homeowners ready to swap grass for desert landscapes, which is part of their initiative to conserve water in the face of rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.
In what could be seen as a green revolution for commercial enterprises, Mesa announced an incentive of up to $70,000 to aid businesses in replacing their grass with xeriscapes, thanks to a recent grant. In a list that reads like the roster of a horticultural heavyweight match, the city detailed watering schedules for trees, shrubs, cacti, and even the blooming Foothills Palo Verdes. For the uninitiated, landscaping tips from the likes of AZ Plant Lady—aka Noelle Johnson—are featured in a series of informative videos on efficient water usage available on the city's website.
A mid-May announcement highlights the importance of proper watering techniques and commends the beneficial shade provided by trees. Every desert dweller has experienced how much cooler it feels on a hot day when standing in the shade of a tree rather than in the full sun, the city's blog states, promoting the 'Trees Are Cool' initiative. Furthermore, residents are encouraged to conduct a simple sprinkler test to ensure they are not drowning their lawns in their effort to keep them green.
The city doesn't stop at lawncare; the practical advice extends to pool maintenance as well, urging pool owners to check for leaks and offering pointers on keeping water where it belongs. Residents inclined to jump into the pool during the scorching heat can find these tips along with other water conservation strategies on Mesa's website. These tips and guidelines aim to slash landscape water usage by 30 to 50 percent, making it clear that, even in dry land, responsible stewardship of water can flourish.
