Prospering During Stage 1 Water Restrictions

San Antonio, Texas Stage 1 irrigation restrictions.

Stage 1 drought restrictions reduce overall water use but do not have threaten the well-being of landscape plants. The primary restriction is that sprinklers can only be used one day per week based on your address. However, drip irrigation and hand watering can be done anytime in Stage 1.

Most lawns will stay green and healthy with a weekly irrigation application if the irrigation system functions as it should and the right amount of water is applied.

There may be some weeks when a lawn will do better with one inch of water applied and other weeks no water is required. For an average, use three-quarters of an inch per week on St. Augustine or zoysia in the sun. Bermuda requires an average of half of an inch per week in the sun and buffalo grass slightly less than that.

In the shade, apply half of an inch of water per week to St. Augustine and zoysia grass.

Flowers and vegetables may require watering more than once per week. The restrictions recognize that need, and allow homewoners to use drip irrigation or hand watering at any time in Stage 1.

Hand-watering is a good way to supplement your irrigation system for hot spots on the lawn that dry out faster than the rest of the lawn. These ''hot spots'' can be caused by many conditions including shallow soil on this part of the lawn; insufficient coverage by the irrigation system on part of the lawn; and/or especially hot areas near driveways or where the sun reflects from buildings.

If supplemental hand watering does not green the ''hot spot'' up, suspect that chinch bugs or grubs have infested the area. Treat with a lawn insecticide labeled for the pests.

Established trees and shrubs should survive a short-term summer drought fine without supplemental irrigation.

Trees and shrubs newly planted this season may require irrigation every week. The irrigation applied to the lawn by the sprinkler does not provide adequate moisture for stressed or newly planted trees or shrubs during a drought. Trees or shrubs that have been in place for more than six months but less than two years also may need supplemental irrigation. Water them at their base.