As summer heat intensifies, our backyards have more in common with the surface of the sun than a suburban oasis—at least that's what your wilting citrus tree is likely trying to communicate. With mercury readings eclipsing the 110-degree mark and monsoon showers playing hard to get, the July landscape in Maricopa County demands a disciplined approach to hydration. The agricultural bulletin from the city of Mesa serves as a lifeline to those looking to navigate this arid period, stating that "the water needs of plants are the greatest in June and early July."
Having their roots firmly planted in the unforgiving desert soil for a good couple of years, established plants must lean on our diligence to make it through the sweltering weeks ahead. While Bermuda grass calls for a drink once every three days, its less enduring rye cousin can't handle the heat, bowing out as summer takes center stage. Trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and vines also have their distinct water schedules, with desert-adapted species needing far less than their high-maintenance counterparts. According to the recent Mesa bulletin, "Even adequately watered plants may show signs of stress as they adapt to the extreme heat."
Yet, with every drop of rain that does grace our soil, the opportunity for conservation emerges. By simply turning off controllers during and after showers, gardeners can preserve water and lend a hand to drought relief efforts. The city of Mesa encourages the use of rain gauges to keep track of rainfall—sage advice when deciding whether the irrigation can take a short breather. Rainwater harvesting resources are touted too; options range from directing rain naturally to your thirsty greens to more structured methods like barrels or cisterns.
Then, because no monsoon season would be complete without a soundtrack, Mesa offers a Spotify playlist of rain-themed songs to set the mood. From the wistful tones of "I Wish It Would Rain" to the playful riffs of "No Rain," the curated selection is designed to conjure up the spirit of rainier days. For residents seeking something more tangible than a tune, the fall brings the promise of free trees, paired with advice on how to maximize their shade for energy savings and air quality improvement. In a gesture meant to green our surroundings, the city provides free desert willow trees to those who participate in environmental webinars.
For households facing spiking water bills amidst the seasonal furnace, the Mesa bulletin presents a practical toolkit: an online water use calculator and a water-saving kit tailored to each home's specifics. As stated in the bulletin, "Your Water. Your Impact. Know, Compare, Save." aims to empower residents with the knowledge to pinch the flow and pinch pennies at the same time. It's a call to take charge of consumption patterns and align them with not just personal but also environmental economics.
