Waterwise Tips
It is the responsibility of the property owners in urban areas to maintain their property, and the adjacent footpath and road verge, to an acceptable standard, free of all long grass and other exotic vegetation.
Keep our trees beautiful by not placing lawn clippings around tree trunks. It might seem like a handy way to get rid of your lawn clippings, but placing them around tree trunks is killing some of our beautiful trees. Landfills across the shire are free to use. Just be sure to secure your load!
Water-Saving Tips
How can we balance our use of water while still having a beautiful garden? Check out these expert waterwise tips for the garden and home from the Department of Natural Resources.
Saving Water in the Garden
- Planning and Preparation
Careful planning is the key to saving water in the garden
- Group plants of similar water needs in specific areas for more efficient watering
- Set windbreaks to protect delicate species and to reduce water needs
- Improve the Soil
Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant. You can improve the organic matter of your soil by adding manure, compost, peat, etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will improve plant growth, use less water and fertilisers and promote healthier plants.
- Grow the right plants
When choosing plants, it’s important to not only consider size, shape, function and appearance, but also the amount of water which they will require. Choose water-efficient plant and you will be saving money on your water rates and helping to create a low maintenance garden.
- Reduce Grassed Area….
Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore offer the best opportunity to help you conserve water and save money. Lawns should be designed to be practical and useful and not just as a fill-in area in your garden.
- Water Wisely….
The ideal watering system is one which will deliver water directly to the plant roots in the correct quantiles. Drippers, tap timers, trigger hoses and micro-irrigations systems should be used to deliver water in the most efficient manner.
- Use more Mulch……..
A good mulch of at least 75mm thick, reduces evaporation from the soil surface by as much as 70%. Mulch discourages wee growth, prevents erosion and evens out soil temperature variations.
- Garden Maintenance
The above six secrets will lead to a significant reduction in water use and the time and effort in your garden. However, a water-efficient garden requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains healthy.