Lush vibrant landscapes enhance property value, yield, and visual appeal. This guide outlines key elements to keep your landscape growing strong.
Watering
All plants need some water- even cacti. In dryland climates, prioritize deep, slow watering for established plants, as this promotes a healthy root system. Water early in the morning before 9am to minimize evaporation and use mulch to retain moisture. For established trees, watering is needed once a month in winter and once a week in summer, while newly planted trees need more frequent watering. Xeric (drought tolerant plants) only need to be watered when completely dry. Avoid watering during freezing temperatures. Winter watering should happen during the warmest part of the day.
Both under and over watering create problems for your plants so be sure to check soil moisture levels with your hand to determine if more or less water is needed.
Greywater Mulch Basins
Your greywater system has been sized to deliver all or most of the water needed for the irrigated area during peak watering need (hottest part of the year. Plants mid-way up and on top of the basin do need to be watered.
Seasonally, especially in winter, you may generate more greywater than the plants need. Any time plants are getting too much water, divert away from the landscape.
Irrigation
- Adjust timers seasonally
- Position sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks or roads
- Inspect drip lines for clogs or leaks
- Avoid over-watering to prevent root rot and fungus
Mulching
Experts recommend using organic mulch like leaves, grass clippings and wood chips, applying a 2–3 inch layer around plants, and leaving a 2–3 inch gap around the base of the plant or tree trunk. Key steps include preparing a weed-free bed, applying the mulch evenly, and replenishing the layer as it decomposes to maintain weed suppression, root protection and moisture retention. For New Mexico's climate, using organic materials is beneficial for improving soil health and holding moisture, while gravel mulch can be used for drainage-focused areas but may increase heat.
Greywater Mulch Basins
These basins must be replenished approximately every 1 to 2 years to ensure proper function, though the exact timing depends on factors like mulch type and local climate.
Reasons and guidelines for replenishing mulch
- Decomposition: Natural mulch decomposes over time, losing its ability to effectively filter and distribute greywater.
- Maintenance frequency: A yearly refresh is a good rule of thumb, but some may need it more or less often.
- Signs for replacement: You may need to replace mulch sooner if you see signs of decomposition, soil erosion, or discoloration.
- Weather and climate: Frequent heavy rains, high sun exposure, and other local conditions can speed up decomposition.
- Mulch type: Coarser mulches last longer than finer mulches.
- Application: Replenish the mulch to a depth of 2-4 inches to maintain its effectiveness and to block sunlight.
Pruning
For the most effective pruning, follow these basic guidelines from University of Minnesota and New Mexico State University: start by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches at any time of year, then address crossing, entangled, or downward-growing branches. Prune for the season, shape, and plant health, using correct techniques for making cuts. Dormant season pruning is often best, but prune spring-flowering shrubs after they bloom and summer-blooming shrubs before growth starts in the spring. Prune shrubs and trees to maintain desired shapes and sizes in late fall or early spring.
Plant Health Care (PHC)
Monitoring: Check plants weekly for signs of discoloration, wilting, chewed or curling leaves and fungal growth. Treat with organic and non-toxic solutions such as Neem oil.
Pest & Disease Control: Use integrated pest management (IPM): Identify the issue accurately, remove diseased material, and use organic targeted treatments.
Soil Building
We have added Soil Secrets’ BIO TerraPro™ and Protein Crumblies™to your new gardens. Reapply Protein Crumblies every 4 months in the spring and later summer (.12 size bucket covers 400 sq. ft; .60 size bag covers 2000 sq. ft). Top dress only and water immediately after applying. Do not mix in with soil or mulch. Cactus Rain carries Soil Secrets products.
Why add these to your soil? Soil Microorganisms are part of the Soil Food Web. Protein, fats and carbohydrates like those found in Protein Crumblies are a rich calorie source for these organisms and needed to effectively inoculate and sustain a healthy Soil Food Web.
Rather let the pros maintain your landscape? Cactus Rain is happy to! Contact us at Contact@CatusRainNM.com or 505-585-0850 for an estimate.