• Residental Surveys and Smart Landscape Evaluations
• Tips for Water Efficient Landscapes
• Free Mulch to Help Save Water
• Free Gardening Help Line
• Gardens to Visit for Inspiration
• Nifty 50 Plants for Water Smart Landscapes  (1.4 MB)
• Water Smart Landscapes  (2.9 MB)
• A Homeowners Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape  (4.44 MB)

Residental Surveys and Smart Landscape Evaluations (866) 883-1332

A Smart Landscape Evaluation is a free service designed to assist residential, multi-family and business customers with identifying inefficiencies and water waste as well as water savings opportunities. Single-family participants can expect to have technicians review indoor fixtures and evaluate the performance of the site’s irrigation system. At the end, the participant will receive a list of recommendations and a proposed watering schedule.

For multi-family and business customers, an outdoor audit will be performed and participants will receive a report outlining site specific irrigation and maintenance recommendation as well as plants alternatives designed to reduce water waste and use. To enroll please contact (866) 883-1332.

Tips for Water-Efficient Landscaping

1. Seasonal reminders:
   1. Winter is a great time to establish new landscapes or plants and make major changes or repairs to irrigation systems. If winter rains are adequate, you may be able to turn off the automatic sprinkler system.
   2. Spring is the time to check the battery in your irrigation controller. Without a battery backup, a power failure could cause your irrigation timer to default to a built-in schedule that will apply more water than your landscape needs.
   3. In summer, continue to monitor water use and the irrigation system to make sure plants receive the moisture they need in an efficient manner.
   4. Fall is the time to gradually decrease water to your garden. Check soil moisture and condition of plants, especially during the Santa Ana winds.
2. Hardscaping (patios, decks, play areas, walkways, barbecue pits) can be a beautiful water-saving alternative to turf. Busy homeowners can incorporate low-maintenance designs into their yards without sacrificing beauty.
3. Irrigate only if needed to maintain some moisture in the soil – increase or shorten irrigation times as the amount of daylight increases and decreases.
4. You can add splashes of color to your garden with only small quantities of water-loving plants.
5. Pull weeds as soon as they appear.
6. Choose low-maintenance plants that require little irrigation.
7. Groundcovers are an excellent substitute for turf, and generally require less water and labor to maintain.

Benefits and Savings:

1. Save money on your water bill. Using less water could mean significant potential cost savings.
2. Lower landscaping costs. Your site looks healthier and more attractive when plants get the amount of water they need. Healthy landscaping needs fewer plant replacements, less fertilizer, and fewer chemicals. Properly watered landscape is better able to resist drought or temporary water shortages.
3. Lower irrigation system maintenance. A balanced system needs less maintenance and requires a smaller repair budget.
4. Fewer hardscape repairs. Sidewalks, driveways, wall, fences and buildings last longer with fewer repairs when overspray and runoff are reduced.
5. Increased property value. Attractive landscaping is one of the best investments you can make and produces higher than average revenue and return on investment.

Gardens to visit for education and inspiration:

• The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College – call 619-660-0614 for information
• Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas – call 760-436-3036 for information
• MiraCosta College, Horticulture Department – call 1-888-201-8480, for more information.
• El Corazon Compost Facility in Oceanside offers free community gardening classes “Home Grown” on the fourth Saturday of every month at 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Before beginning your low-water-use garden, take the following seven steps:

1. Planning and Design. Planning and design require the skilled coordination of all seven Xeriscape principles. Organizing a garden for aesthetics, practicality and most of all, water efficiency, can be complicated and is easier with the assistance of a professional. Work with your landscape architect or designer to create a tropical, cottage, Mediterranean, or any style Xeriscape garden you desire.
2. Practical Turf. Turf is the most water-thirsty landscape component. Design lawn areas for practical purposes; play, maintenance access and light traffic. For some homeowners, a front lawn is unnecessary and can be replaced with trees, shrubs, boulders and pathways, or mulched areas.
3. Efficient Irrigation. Many recent innovations in irrigation technology enable slow, steady and specific water application. Look for words such as “low gallonage” or “low application rate.” Consider drip systems for shrubs and trees, and always locate turf on a separate valve.
4. Soil Analysis. The addition of organic matter to the soil increases water retention and penetration. Get to know your soil and amend it prior to planting.
5. Mulching. Two to three inches of mulch will keep soil cool and reduce evapotranspiration and weed growth. Mulch can be rocks, wood chips, bark, or shredded wood.
6. Appropriate Plants. There is a place for every plant in a Xeriscape garden—when located correctly. Group plants according to their water and sun needs. This is called hydro-zoning. There are many interesting and colorful low-water-use plants now available. Take advantage of these whenever possible!
7. Ongoing Maintenance. Seasonal irrigation adjustments and efficiency checks are maintenance practices that save water. Organic fertilizers and composting will improve soil texture and maintain vigorous plant growth.

 Recommended Plants for Low-Water Gardens:

Free Mulch at El Corazon Compost Facility

Mulch helps you save water. As an Oceanside resident, you are able to pick up free compost and mulch for use in your home garden. Please call the El Corazon Compost Facility for mulch availability. Bring your drivers license, utility bill or other identification showing an Oceanside address. Self loading hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and located at 3210 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside. El Corazon also offers free community gardening classes “Home Grown” each month. For more information, please contact 760-439-9920 or 1-800-262-4168x4.

Gardening Help Line

For questions on home gardening and pest control, the Master Gardeners of San Diego, have a free telephone “Hortline” that the public can call Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm at 858-694-2860.

Gardens to Visit for Education and Inspiration

• The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College – call 619-660-0614 for information or visit http://www.thegarden.org/.
• Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas – call 760-436-3036 for information.
• MiraCosta College, Horticulture Department – call 1-888-201-8480, for more information.