Page 16 - Landscape-Issue154

RAND WATER FEATURE

RETHINKING WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE

SMARTER GARDENS FOR A THIRSTY GAUTENG

With water becoming an increasingly
scarce and costly resource across

Gauteng, landscapers and home­
owners alike are being called to
rethink how we design, maintain
and interact with our gardens.

he recent restructuring of water tariffs is more than
just a budget concern; it’s a wake-up call to shift
Ttowards water­wise practices that not only preserve
this vital resource but also enhance the resilience and
beauty of our landscapes. Whether you’re a professional
in the green industry or a passionate garden owner, the
way we water needs to change, and the good news is,
smarter watering saves both water and money.
Timing is everything when it comes to watering.
Gauteng’s hot and often windy climate makes
midday watering an exercise in waste, with litres of
water lost to evaporation before ever reaching plant
roots. Instead, irrigation should be scheduled for
early mornings, ideally before dawn when the air is
cool and still. This gives the soil a chance to absorb
moisture before the sun intensifies. Evening watering,
while sometimes convenient, is less effective and
can promote disease if water sits too long on leaves.
Windy days are also best avoided, as they significantly
reduce irrigation efficiency.
Beyond just when we water, we also need to
reconsider how much and how often. Many gardeners
and landscapers rely on fixed irrigation schedules that
don’t account for seasonal changes, a practice that leads
to overwatering in cooler months and underwatering
during peak summer heat. A dynamic, responsive
watering schedule is essential. During hot, dry periods,
increase watering frequency; when the rains come, pause
irrigation systems entirely for a few days, especially in
uncovered areas. Letting the top few centimetres of soil dry
out before watering again encourages deeper root growth,
making plants more drought resistant.
Crucially, we must move away from shallow, frequent watering.
It might seem gentle, but it creates weak surface-rooted plants
that wilt under stress. Instead, deep watering is key. Aim for at least
20 cm for lawns, and 60–90 cm for trees and shrubs. This promotes
strong, deep roots that can access moisture stored deeper in the soil
and better withstand Gauteng’s dry spells. The result? Healthier plants,
fewer irrigation cycles, and a more robust landscape even under water
restrictions.

Highveld Irrigation Guide by Soil Type and Season
Soil type Application Applications mm/week mm/week mm/week mm/week
rate (mm/hr) per week winter spring summer autumn
Sandy 13­25 4 4 7 8 5
Clay 1­6 2 8 14 15 10
Loam 6­15 3 5 9 10 6

14 Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za