The City's Water Conservation Office can help answer many questions associated with landscape water consumption and maintenance. We offer non-biased, research-based information that could help streamline your budget and save your community money.
Here's how our office can assist your homeowners association:
Landscape Assistance Program
An on-site inspection of your community's irrigation system may lead to the discovery of leaks, broken valves, blocked spray heads, and uneven sprinkler coverage.
HOA audits conducted save an average of 462,000 gallons in the first year post audit. If weather based "Smart" controllers are installed, the average annual water savings per controller is 682,000 gallons.
Landscape Water Evaluation
A Landscape Water Evaluation (Water Budget) will identify if water is being over or under applied based on the selection of plants and/or turf in your common areas. Many communities over water - some by a little but some by as much as 40 percent. Our water budget spreadsheets compute water usage based on the actual water needs for the various types of landscape plants in the community, including turf, for each month of the year. It generates the cost of the water based on Chandler water rates and shows the results in gallons, dollars and easy-to-read graphs. Your community may realize a significant cost savings just by adjusting their irrigation scheduling and still have a lush-looking landscape.
Changes made after following recommendations from water budgets result in estimated savings of 1,141,000 gallons annually for each HOA.
Speakers Bureau
Our staff members are available to speak at homeowner association meetings or to groups of residents. They have experience and training in areas of irrigation and plant care and carry credentials such as Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Smartscape Certified and Certified Master Gardener and are continually attending trainings and workshops in order to provide the latest technology and information to the public. They can provide guidelines on ways to save money on water costs and streamline your landscape maintenance budget, plus a whole lot more. Topics include turf care, pruning, plant selection, and irrigation efficiency and maintenance.
Answers to Landscaping Questions
Did you know that plants that are pruned too frequently require more water? Most shrubs only require semi-annual maintenance if not overwatered. We can provide a recommended pruning schedule based on the types of plants in your landscape. This not only may save water costs, but maintenance fees as well. Our certified arborist is available to assist you.
In addition, our office has helpful resources that you can access from our Web site.
Important Articles:
- How Do I Hire a Landscape Contractor? - Tips on what to look for when selecting a company to maintain your common areas
- Know Your Pro - A list of titles commonly found in the landscape industry, what they mean and what certifications are associated with the title
- Planting Guidelines for the Desert
- Pruning Guidelines for the Desert - Blooming Season and Pruning Recommendations of Some Common Shrubs For Low and Medium Elevations in Arizona
- Pruning Trees in the Desert
- What is Selective Pruning?
- Sample Landscape Contract