The process of landscape irrigation refers to artificially applying water to different types of vegetation in order to maintain their health and appearance. In Miami this can be done through a variety of methods, both automatic and manual. The purpose is to produce the most efficient system possible that gets the exact amount of water needed to where the plant requires it with the least expenditure of energy and waste possible. Landscape irrigation can be used for lawns, parks, vegetable gardens, flower beds, and commercial farming purposes.
Timing
Numerous studies have shown that plants in Miami Beach are able to utilize water at their roots with maximum efficiency during the morning. That is why it is important to irrigate your vegetation early in the day. If done during the afternoon a significant amount of water can be lost due to evaporation from the heat of the sun. Undertaking this process at night is somewhat better, but plants which are subject to fungal infections may suffer from long periods of high moisture.
Scheduling
In most cases the ideal situation will be to water your plants deeply, and infrequently. That will help to keep them saturated, without drowning them, while also encouraging them to develop a more expansive root system which will be resilient against possible drought conditions. Frequent light watering can have the opposite effect causing the roots to remain shallow, and less durable under duress.
Soil Type
The type of soil that is present will also have an important effect on your landscape irrigation efforts. On average, one inch of liquid will penetrate twelve inches into the ground. If you have sandier conditions then the water will be able to go farther, but will also disperse and evaporate faster. If you have a more clay like consistency then it will not go as far, but it will remain within the earth for a longer period of time.
Plant Types
Different types of vegetation will require varying conditions in order to thrive. Some plants like a consistently moist bed of soil to rest in. Others will require the ground to dry completely between irrigation efforts. The best way to handle this is to plan ahead, and place plants that prefer similar conditions in close proximity to one another. Bunching them in this way will give you the ability to treat groups according to their optimal preferences, rather than having to set up a distinct system for each one.
Generally lawns will thrive with regular overhead irrigation. If you have shrubs, gardens, or fruit trees then it would be better to use a deep irrigation system which feeds the roots a steady, measured supply of water over time. In commercial farming conditions, farmers often implement porous pipes running through their lines, in order to get the optimal amount of liquid to their crops.
Plan Ahead
The best way to implement a water irrigation system is to incorporate it into your plans before you plant anything. That allows you to strategically place different elements in relation to one another, in order to get the greatest water efficiency. At the same time you will be able to decide where hoses, and other running elements will go, in order to create a neat, orderly, and tidy design.
Land Shaping
It is possible to make the ground reinforce your irrigation efforts through a process known as land shaping. This needs to be done before planting begins, and consists of creating dimensional layers of earth, that slope down strategically in order to carry run off water to a desired location. Available in varying degrees, this often subtle but work intensive process will result in a landscape that uses gravity itself to guide rain drops and other ambient sources of liquid directly to the vegetation that needs it.
Recycled Water
One of the most ecologically efficient methods of irrigation uses recycled water in order to hydrate plants and vegetation. Liquid can be acquired from rain barrels and condensation collectors, as well as devices which can store the run off moisture from air conditioners. The most advanced systems will automatically meter out these resources, carrying them via pipe to the plants that need to be watered. Otherwise it will have to be distributed manually by hand across any fields, lawns, or gardens that are desired.
Drip Irrigation
This is a system of irrigation that makes use of drip emitters and micro sprays in order to get the optimal amount of moisture to the exact spot where it is needed. They employ slow, low to the ground distribution points, which deliver water directly to the stem and root of the plants. This helps to eliminate almost all waste due to evaporation, which is especially important in Miami. These networks also give you the ability to regulate the level of penetration and hydration, setting it on a schedule that will automatically run throughout any given period of time desired.
Water Efficiency
Viable drinking water for ourselves, plants, and animals, is our most valuable resource. However it is one that is limited. This is exacerbated by the fact that liquids can be relatively heavy, making transport difficult and costly. Using more efficient irrigation systems, and recycled water, can help to reduce the amount of moisture that is required in order to maintain different types of plants, crops, and flowers. That can help to improve the ecological health of the entire planet, while also dramatically cutting the associated costs.
Professional Advice
While it is possible to install rudimentary landscape irrigation systems by yourself, these will often be inefficient, unsightly, and messy. By hiring a professional, you will be able to get advice on the top products that are available, as well as cutting edge technology that is changing the way the industry works. They will also be able to install the devices in an unobtrusive way that enhances the look of your lawn, garden, or vegetation, without detracting from the appearance of your property. In addition, they will have access to the most advanced hardware, including ecologically friendly water saving methods that can be employed to cut waste and lower your utility bills.
Cortada Landscape Design is your one stop shop for outdoor living needs. Providing Landscape Design, Landscape Contracting, Irrigation and Landscape Lighting Services. Servicing Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove etc.