WALP Promotes Benefits Of Professionals During Water Shortage

Therefore, following the announcement, the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) - a membership organization representing landscape installation, irrigation and maintenance contractors, landscape architects and designers, horticultural consultants and educators, and wholesale suppliers to the landscape and irrigation industry with six regional chapters in Washington - offered advice to homeowners letting them know that water conservation doesn’t necessarily have to mean postponing plant and irrigation installations or maintenance programs.

WALP’s advice included an appeal to homeowners to consult with a landscape professional first when considering landscape and irrigation needs for this year. The consultation can help homeowners learn the facts for developing, installing and maintaining a landscape project that can actually assist in water conservation. To promote this first step, WALP offered homeowners a free directory of landscape professionals in local geographical areas.

WALP also said that landscape professionals are a homeowner’s best resource for current information and education in making sure that landscapes will stay healthy and green throughout this spring and summer season.

To help homeowners maintain a healthy and water efficient landscape, WALP also suggested that they:

• Get a soil core sample. The soils in which lawns and plants inhabit are at the core for a successful landscape. The results of a soils core sample will assist one in taking the proper steps to improve soils for a healthy landscape.
• Install a water efficient irrigation system. An efficient system uses an electronic controller, includes rain sensors that will shut down the system when it rains and features multiple zones that correctly water lawns and plants based on site conditions. The use of drip or xeriscaping irrigation can also be utilized for water efficiency.
• Plant the right plants in the right place. The Pacific Northwest is known for its wide variety of plant use in the landscape. In order to achieve maximum water efficiency property owners should make sure they know which plants will save water based on site conditions.
• Follow an efficient watering schedule that meets the needs for a healthy landscape. Don’t over-water. If a homeowner is not sure if an irrigation system is working properly, he/she should consult with an irrigation professional for a water audit of the landscape. This useful information will help improve the efficiency of the irrigation system and conserve water.
• Consider additional practices to reduce waste. Grasscycling or mulch mowing can assist in eliminating waste of grass clippings and will recycle those clippings back into the lawn.

WALP has been working with Seattle Public Utilities to inform and educate the public to the benefits of a healthy and thriving landscape. Even though the potential exists for a water shortage in Washington, WALP said that by taking the proper steps, homeowners can still develop, install and maintain their landscape investment this year and in the future.

For more information about WALP visit www.walp.org.