Just would like to give you all an update on what has been going on with the landscaping/grounds committee.

Some of you may have noticed a few months ago the street lights were not working at HWY 64. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We finally got them up and working. The problem was the electrical box was old and corroded. You may have also seen Cary Plumbing and Bland Landscaping at the entrance of Lake Pine. The town of Cary found a leak at the water meter. The leak was caused by old pipes and tree roots. This problem has also been repaired. I realize the Holly Trees at the entrances are looking overgrown, I plan on having them pruned back in the fall after the new growth has flushed out.

 

I hope you all have read the info regarding the mailboxes. Rodney signs will be able to help you repair/refurbish your mailbox or replace it. Please see additional information posted on MacGregor West web-site. I also, would like to inform everyone the company who painted the street signs and lamp post will be coming back out to do some touch up.

 

Should you have any other concerns about the landscaping/grounds please feel free to contact me at nmsawaia@aol.com

Have a Happy and Safe Summer.

 

Regards,

Nanette Sawaia

101 Marseille Pl

Landscaping/Grounds Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to get more out of your landscape while using less water.

 

As summer 2009 begins with a 95 degree blast, this might be a good time to take stock of your residential landscape and look for ways to trim the water fat, while making it more attractive and useful.

 

In the summer months, a typical residential landscape can soak 50% - 75% of a households total water use. And when you realize that our domestic water needs in the Triangle will increase 53% by 2030, the need for conservation becomes apparent.

 

The first part of smart landscape water use is in the design, both current and future. Ask yourself: what can I do that will make my property more aesthetically pleasing, more functional or more appropriate for my lifestyle?

 

From a water stand point, not more than 10% of a landscape should be zoned for high water use, 30% should be zoned for moderate use and the remaining 60% should be low water use.

 

When designed properly, your landscape will end up with fewer resource inputs, which will result in lower maintenance costs and possibly higher property values. Plus, with the right combination of plants, you could end up with excellent seasonal color and textural shifts.

 

Water-efficient landscapes use plants native and adaptable to our zone 7b/8a climate. Design considerations include soil types, sun exposure, wind conditions, temperature averages and drainage patterns.

 

Most of us like lush, green grass, but maybe there are those parts of your yard that could be better used by growing something else? (see garden inset).

 

Soil preparation

Not enough can be said about proper soil prep. With our Triassic clay soils, ripping, tilling and amending are required to bring more oxygen and organic material down to the root level to help the roots grow faster and deeper.

 

Once plants are established in well-prepared soil, their water needs are minimized and theyll better withstand prolonged dry periods, protecting your landscape investment.

Leaf mulch, compost, and Permatil are all excellent clay soil amendments. Lime will probably be needed, but its best to have the soil tested first for Ph and nutrient levels.

(http://www.agr.state.nc.us/agronomi/pdffiles/stflyer.pdf)

 

Talk about turf

Turf is one area to explore possible landscape changes. Because we live in a transitional climate zone, both warm and cool season grasses do well here and do poorly. Fescue is a good example. When soil is well-prepared and grass is established at 3 4, fescue has a four-to-one carbon sink ratio, meaning it produces four times as much oxygen as the carbon dioxide required to cut it.

 

Fescue also cools the air, reduces erosion, absorbs pollutants, reduces the urban heat island effect, reduces storm water runoff and of course has the desired aesthetic stimulation.

 

But, fescue has a dark side. It takes time & money to maintain (more frequent than most other plants), it needs 1 of water per week to thrive and increases the use of fertilizer and pesticides.

 

Warm season grasses like Zoysia, Bermuda and Centipede have the same results, but only while theyre in growth mode. Bermuda and Centipede use less water over an entire year, and if you like the color brown, theyre virtually maintenance-free for six months.

 

Irrigation

One of the best ways to reduce your water usage is to change where and how you irrigate.

 

Flow, pressure and availability of water are the primary considerations. Pressure will affect the efficiency of an irrigation system, while flow determines the amount of pressure needed.

 

By reducing where, how and how much water you use, you can significantly reduce the amount of water used and likely reduce your water bill at the same time.

 

When we design irrigation systems, take into account the type of heads used (spray or rotor); head spacing; if drip irrigation would be more appropriate; zoning; how to regulate pressure, nozzle selection and precipitation rates.

 

Irrigation technologies

Smart controllers minimize the amount and frequency of irrigation by thinking about solar, wind, rain and temperature variables, which determine the appropriate amount of water a site should have, rather than a prescribed setting every day.

 

Micro or drip irrigation is an excellent option (70% - 90% efficient), because it puts water at or just below the soil surface at low pressure and volume, virtually eliminating evaporation.

 

Other water-saving irrigation technologies include using pressure regulated nozzles, main line pressure regulators, rain sensors, flow sensors and soil moisture sensors.

 

Effective June 29th of this year, only a licensed irrigation contractor may service, install or repair an irrigation system. Its a good idea to check with your landscape contractor to see if they hold professional certifications like Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor; Certified Landscape Professional; Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and Certified Irrigation Contractor.

 

Mulch Natures cool blanket

Lastly, a good layer of mulch helps in so many ways. Mulching helps prevent weeds that compete with plants for moisture, it adds organic matter and beneficial microorganisms to the soil, moderates soil temperatures, prevents erosion, aids in retention of water, minimizes evaporation and serves as a barrier to certain soil-borne plant diseases.

 

Once all of these water-saving strategies are in place, you should end up with reduced water bills, youll have a verdant and lush landscape and the knowledge that youre making a little more water available for everyone to enjoy.

 

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