Page 2 - LandscapeSA Issue 106

HYDROZONING

Hydrozoning

in landscapes

Why is it important to hydrozone in landscapes and gardens? Hydrozoning saves water
and money. It improves the landscape design, mimics natural plant communities,
minimises the impact on the surrounding natural environment, and simplifies
maintenance

The concept of hydrozones (hydrostations) is based on the
theory that the correct plants should be planted in shade, semi
shade or sun depending on plant requirements, as defined by
the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS),
developed by the University of California.

The Landscape Irrigation Model South Africa (LIMSA), developed
by Dr Leslie Hoy, is consistent with the WUCOLS model and
focuses on individual assessment of each hydrozone within a
landscape. Hydrozoning, in this context, is defined as:
The intention of this model is to allow for a more accurate water
• A grouping or bed of plants, use on any landscape site to be determined. This is particularly
• Plants with the same water (hydrozone) requirements, important for sites that will rely on any form of supplementary
• Plants are watered with the same correct amount of water, irrigation over and above rainfall of
• Plants are positioned correctly in the landscape, the area where the landscape is
• Each hydrozone has it’s own control valve, and their own located. This will also apply to sites
specific irrigation system. that require additional watering
beyond the initial establishment
period.

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