Drip system watering needs for a mix of plants (Las Vegas: hotels, landscaping)

djkluff · 06-06-2010, 10:42 PM

I have done alot of research and have recently completed my backyard. I have a drip systemm that waters a total of 6 trees and 19 shrubs. I just cant seem to get things right with some of the plants. I know that each type of plants has its own demands, but I am wondering if someone could lend me some advice.

In March, upon planting, I watered 2 days a week at my flow rate, and since May 1st, I have increased to 3 days.
30 minute waterings each watering day.

My eastern redbud seems to be suffering a little. The leaves exploded in a couple weeks and now they are wilty looking with some scattered yellowing. I give it 4 gallons per watering (3 days a week).

I tried 8 gallons in one 40 minute watering, but after 36 hours, 4 inches deep the soil was still damp.

The other plants is a dwarf bottle brush. I give it 1 gallon per water day. half of them lost all of their leaves in teh shock stage, and one has fully recovered with the other 2 lagging. I read that this plant is very drought tolerant, and does not like overwatering. what to do

*I have fully read and understand the LVVWA instructions.

Spraynard Kruger · 06-06-2010, 11:50 PM

Are the emitters on your drip system adjustable? I have found better watering success with those. I have also killed a few plants by overwatering and a few just didn't survive the transplant process.

Take a clipping from the struggling plant to a nursery for help.

djkluff · 06-23-2010, 12:28 AM

I had an arborist come out. He says I was over watering my tree. I watered every other day for about 4 gallons. He told me to water everyday at 4 gallons. UM...WHAT?!?! With the final news in, I found my problem, and it indeed was overwatering. My pesky grass sprinklers were drowning the planters!!! HA! I didnt know since they water in the AM, and I leave for work then. The tree lost about 1/3 of the leaves to yellowing before I fixed everything!! Now all is well with me redbuds

Buzz123 · 06-23-2010, 12:51 AM

I recommend that you speak to the folks at The Springs Preserve, and get the book, Nevada Gardener's Guide. One of the two authors, Linn Mills, works at the Springs Preserve, and writes a gardening column for the RJ. The other author is in Reno.

If I was guessing, I'd say you planted a little late, and they are in a state of shock. It may be a cool June, but it is still hot to plants. I think it's best to plant trees in the fall or winter.

There is also the problem of soil here. Except it may not be the dirt, but the crap the builder used as fill on your lot. I lost an expensive tree because, as I found out later, the idiot painters had poured left over paint and stucco in the hole it was to go in.

The usual problem here is over watering though. That is when you aren't under watering.

Both issues can make the leaves wilt or turn yellow. In the summer you can water on any day for as long as it takes; especially with a drip system.

However, I can't imagine an Eastern Redbud surviving in the desert. Talk to the Master Gardeners about it. It's a free service.

thecuse · 06-23-2010, 06:43 AM

Hey Buzz...you've lived there a long time and seem pretty knowledgeable about land scaping in the desert...any idea why they dont use more "grey water" irrigation systems? (or maybe they do and I just dont know about it)

With the incredible amount of landscaping in LasVegas, and the potential water problems...seems like the absolute perfect place to be doing it. Just curious if there's a good reason for not doing it

jfkIII · 06-23-2010, 08:04 AM

I've got a drip system, too. Afterwards, I just wipe the seat and flush. One of the things we guys kind of miss as we age is the full steady stream system.

dynimagelv · 06-23-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfkIII

I've got a drip system, too. Afterwards, I just wipe the seat and flush. One of the things we guys kind of miss as we age is the full steady stream system.

WHY oh WHY did I know what you were gonna say, even before I read it....?

jfkIII · 06-25-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

WHY oh WHY did I know what you were gonna say, even before I read it....?

Because...methinks you know what I speak of.

Buzz123 · 06-25-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecuse

Hey Buzz...you've lived there a long time and seem pretty knowledgeable about landscaping in the desert...any idea why they don't use more "gray water" irrigation systems? (or maybe they do and I just don't know about it)

With the incredible amount of landscaping in Las Vegas, and the potential water problems...seems like the absolute perfect place to be doing it. Just curious if there's a good reason for not doing it

Some of the golf courses do. I know Muni does. And the hotels built by Steve Wynn have their own treatment plants and use gray water for landscaping. I'm sure there are others. I think the Wetlands Park might be using treated water, but Duck Creek runs through it too.

Buzz123 · 06-25-2010, 09:43 PM

Anyone know if the OP found what he/she was looking for? It's not all that difficult really. I think if the plant is put in a big enough hole with good dirt and gets at least some water, it will grow.