February topics: nominations for the Water Wise Landscape of the Year Award, Water Resources 101 workshop registration and spring sprinkler system maintenance

Register for the Sustainable Living Workshop Series

In March, the City of Tempe will play host to Tempe Water Resources 101. This workshop will feature an overview of Tempe’s water resources portfolio, an update on the Colorado River drought and Tempe’s response to this important situation. Early registration is recommended as space is limited for this in-person course. Visit the Workshops page to learn more, view the video library and to register for workshops. Participants also can register for the workshop here.

Calling for all nominations

The Water Wise Landscape of the Year Award honors Tempe residences and businesses that maintain water wise landscapes by demonstrating excellent horticulture maintenance and design standards while highlighting the beauty of native and other desert plants. Any home, business or neighborhood in Tempe is eligible to win this award by maintaining a water-efficient landscape with a design that features native and desert adapted plants while following horticulture best practices for maintenance and the seven principles of Xeriscape. To nominate a property online, click here.

For full eligibility and nomination details, visit tempe.gov/WaterWise.

All nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15. Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered. This form will take about five minutes to complete.

February WHENTOWATER Report

The following information provides general guidelines for routine watering frequency for established landscapes during the month of February. New plants require more water until they become established. Monitor plants for signs of stress, especially during the summer months. Visit Watering by the Numbers for detailed, step-by-step instructions regarding how much and how often to water.

Lawns
Summer grass - once 21 days
Overseeded cool season grass - once every seven to nine days

Trees and shrubs on same valve
Desert adapted - once every 28 days
High water use - once every 12 days

Trees
Desert adapted - once every 36 days
High water use - once every 14 days

Shrubs, groundcovers and vines
Desert adapted - once every 21 days
High water use - once every 10 days

Cacti and succulents
Once every 28 days

Annuals and vegetables
Once every six to nine days

Wildflowers
Once every 10-12 days

Spruce up your sprinkler.

Make regular sprinkler system maintenance part of the home care plan. Each spring, Tempe promotes Sprinkler Spruce Up Month, which provides information on how to ensure the sprinkler system is running efficiently. Proper maintenance can help detect minor water-wasting leaks and keep the system healthy to avoid a major leak later.

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