Either of these drying winds will quickly desiccate or dry out plants. Buffer zones created by hardier trees and shrubs will also protect plantings. Examples of evergreens planted as windbreaks include Oleander, Blue Point and Spartan Juniper, and Italian and Leyland Cypress. Maintenance Haphazard maintenance results in wasting many gallons of water per year and defeats the purpose of establishing a water-efficient landscape. Other maintenance activities include weeding, fertilizing, mowing and pruning.
Weeds grow well in the irrigated landscape areas and take water from desirable plantings.
Eliminate or control weeds by hoeing, hand pulling or using a herbicide. After weeding, apply a mulch to these problem areas to control future weed growth. Spring is the best time to fertilize turf. Use a high-potassium fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package for the amount to apply. Excessive fertilization will cause unnecessary growth that will use more water.