Page 21 - Landscape-Issue155

RAND WATER FEATURE

November: The critical month for • Test soil moisture before reduce water use next year, like switching
water-wise action watering lawns to groundcovers, upgrading
November marks the start of the hottest Avoid overwatering — one of the biggest irrigation controllers, or designing rain
and driest months in many parts of South sources of waste. Use a simple moisture gardens.
Africa, from the Cape’s Mediterranean meter or dig a small hole to check
climate to the humid summer rains of dampness before turning on irrigation. Educate and inspire your clients
the Highveld. This is the landscaper’s key As a professional landscaper, you have
window to prepare gardens for the intense • Protect plants from heat stress a powerful influence on how clients
conditions ahead. Provide shade where possible using perceive and manage water use. Educate
Here’s what to focus on this month: trees, trellises or shade netting. Avoid them about small daily habits that add
• Inspect and adjust irrigation heavy pruning in peak heat, as exposed up to big savings. Your leadership in
systems branches can burn easily. water conservation not only supports a
Check all emitters, pipes and valves for sustainable industry, it also strengthens
leaks or blockages. Recalibrate timers to • Manage drainage in rain-prone your brand as a knowledgeable, forward-
water in the early morning or late afternoon regions thinking professional.
when evaporation is lowest. Aim for deep, In provinces like KwaZulu-Natal or
infrequent watering that encourages Mpumalanga, summer rains can cause Lead the change: Build
strong, drought-tolerant root systems. waterlogging. Ensure proper grading, landscapes that last
clean gutters, and use permeable surfaces Water-wise landscaping is more than a
• Refresh mulch and compost layers to promote healthy drainage. trend, it’s a commitment to sustainability,
Replenish mulch around trees, shrubs and resilience, and responsibility. By conserving
beds to conserve moisture and protect • Plan for long-term sustainability water today, we ensure the future of our
roots from heat. Apply compost to feed the Use quieter periods to evaluate gardens, our communities and our shared
soil before summer growth peaks. landscapes and identify opportunities to environment.

FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION ON
WATER WISE, PLEASE
CONTACT US ON:
0860 10 10 60.
www.randwater.co.za

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 19