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Living and gardening in the San Luis Valley has always meant learning how to work with our climate instead of against it. This year’s water shortage is another reminder that every drop matters. The good news is that with smart watering practices, healthy soil, and thoughtful plant choices, you can still maintain a beautiful lawn and thriving landscape while using water more efficiently.
At North River Greenhouse & Landscaping, we believe water conservation doesn’t mean giving up on your yard. It means gardening smarter.
One of the best ways to help your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flower beds survive dry conditions is by improving your soil health. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, holding moisture longer and helping plants make better use of the water they receive.
Humic acid is one of the most effective tools for improving soil health in the San Luis Valley’s challenging soils. It works by increasing the soil’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients while improving root growth.
Humic acid can benefit:
When combined with proper watering, humic acid helps maximize every gallon of water you apply.
Annual flowers are beautiful, but perennials can be a smart long-term investment during water shortages.
Once established, many perennials:
Plants like salvia, yarrow, catmint, lavender, blanket flower, and Russian sage perform especially well in our climate while still providing beautiful color throughout the season.
Adding more perennials to your landscape can reduce water use while keeping your yard vibrant and inviting.
Newly planted trees and shrubs require special attention during dry conditions. The key is understanding that slow, deep watering is far more effective than quick surface watering.
Placing drip irrigation directly over the root ball with the proper timer setting is the best recommendation. Drip systems deliver water slowly and efficiently exactly where the tree needs it most.
A garden hose set at a slow trickle is the second-best option. Allow the water to slowly soak deep into the soil around the root ball.
Drill small holes in the bottom of a bucket and place it near the tree or shrub. This allows water to slowly seep into the soil over time.
Sprinklers and rainfall are not effective or efficient ways to water newly planted trees and shrubs. They often do not provide enough deep moisture to fully saturate the root system.
When watering plants, it’s important to understand how deeply the water is penetrating the soil. Watering slowly allows moisture to seep downward into the root zone instead of staying near the surface.
A slow soak is always the best type of watering for trees and shrubs because it ensures moisture reaches the bottom of the root ball where roots need it most.
A healthy lawn during drought conditions starts with when and how you water.
Watering between 4am and 10am has been proven to be the best time for lawns.
Benefits include:
Watering during the heat of the day leads to excessive evaporation before the grass can absorb enough moisture.
Evening watering may seem convenient, but allowing water to sit on the lawn overnight can encourage fungal issues and disease.
Frequent shallow watering creates weak grass roots. Instead, deeper watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, helping lawns better withstand heat and drought stress.
Potted plants dry out much faster than plants in the ground, especially during hot, windy San Luis Valley days.
Self-watering containers and drip emitters can also dramatically improve water efficiency for patios and decks.
Xeriscaping doesn’t mean turning your yard into bare rock. A properly designed xeriscape can still be colorful, attractive, and welcoming while using significantly less water.
Combining:
can create a landscape that thrives even during difficult water years.
The San Luis Valley has always been a place where resilience matters. By improving soil health, choosing water-wise plants, and using smarter watering techniques, we can continue enjoying beautiful lawns and gardens while conserving one of our most precious resources.
A healthy landscape starts below the surface — and with the right practices, you can protect both your yard and our Valley’s future.
