06.08.2026 PW SS Briefing - Laserfiche WebLink

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Kittitas County residents must use our limited LEARN ABOUT HERITAGE WATER-WISE LANDSCAPE When should I mow? and precious water resources efficiently,in all GARDENS MAINTENANCE Only when the grass is dry.And don't cut years,and especially during droughts.By more than one-third of its length at one reducing the amount of water we need and Heritage Gardens are landscaped areas Irrigation Best Practices time.Taller grass holds moisture better, waste,we can save water and protect the designed to honor the cultural&natural Thorough but infrequent watering will help grass encourages deeper root growth,and is less quality of life of current and future rural heritage of the Columbia River Basin while and shrubs develop deep roots.It is especially susceptible to browning.Keep grass about Kittitas County landowners. utilizing sustainable gardening practices. important to start this during the spring when 3 inches tall during the summer(taller than DESIGN A WATER-WISE = root growth is at its peak. 3 inches stresses the grass). LANDSCAPE Over-watered turf will have a short root system What should I know about fertilizing? ' '-' rI and will not be drought tolerant.By slowly Apply fertilizer in the spring and fall.It Limit Areas that Require Regular Irrigation r� adjusting to successively longer periods between helps develop good root systems to keep Limit your use of water thirsty vegetation,such 4 watering,the turf can grow deeper roots and your grass more drought tolerant. as grass turf,vegetable gardens,non-native :a °` "_ become more drought tolerant. ornamental plants. ;E �; Don't overuse fertilizer because it can run What time of day should I water? off and pollute local waterways.Too much Grow Drought-Adapted Plants Early in the morning is best.Otherwise,the fertilizer will also increase the grass's need Choose plants that are drought and heat ;=. c r rr water can evaporate between the sprinkler and for water.for soil testing information and tolerant and can survive the minimum winter b� r grass before reaching the ground and even from recommendations for fertilizer. temperatures in your local area.Drought- iy the soil after the water soaks in. tolerant groundcover can be a better option '� ' How else can I improve my landscape? than grass in areas that are narrow,small, Visit the Heritage Garden Demonstration How can I conserve soil moisture? High quality soil helps reduce irrigation sloping,odd-shaped,or close to pavement. Project at Whipple Park in Ellensburg Use lots of mulch.It will make your shrubs, needs by retaining water better.Unless the trees,and flower beds more tolerant to the soil is damaged or depleted,native and ly The Kittitas County Conservation District scorching summer heat. well-adapted plants may not require Provides: imported soil.Aerate the lawn once a year. • Information and education of creating a Mulch applied to the landscape can: Weed the lawn and garden as needed. Heritage Garden; retain moisture Weeds rob other plants of valuable water. • Review of your design and plant reduce runoff selection before you plant; help moderate soil temperatures If the soil is rocky,sandy,shallow,heavy • Firewise landscaping consideration; aid in root development clay,or has little organic matter,consider • Certification of your heritage garden. reduce erosion using raised planting beds.They are simple • slow weed growth to install and can add interest and beauty • prevent soil compaction to your landscape. Consider Native Plant Species make your landscape beautiful p nlp* How else can I minimize outdoor water Native plants are adapted to natural Place mulch directly on the soil or weed barrier use? conditions,including local soils, fabric that can"breathe."Avoid using sheetDon't spray patios and walkways-sweep temperatures,fire regime,and precipitation. plastic in planting areas. them instead. Natives plants can he an option for a wide range of uses on your property such and Apply a thin layer of compost to the lawn.It Cover pools and spas when not in use to range or pasture grass,trees and shrubs for ' functions like mulch,increases organic content, lessen evaporation. windbreaks,to decorative landscaping. . _� and protects grass roots. Turn off decorative fountains on windy Native plants suitable for the habitat type days and during drought. where they are placed do not need to be watered after they are established.