During the month of December we received the ok from several customers to start landscape projects in Plano and other Collin County cities. However, there was a catch. Some of the landscapes could be started immediately if they were to be done around the foundation of the structures. These areas were given the go ahead since foundation watering is permitted without restrictions as long as soaker hoses were used.

Water levels at Lake Lavon were at about 473 feet on December 23^rd if they would go below that level many North Texas cities would have banned outdoor watering. PERIOD!

However, since Dec 25^th 2006, water levels have risen to 481.27 feet (January 18^th). And more rain is expected over the next few days.

Does that mean that we will be able to install entire landscape packages as the customers want? No.

The cities under the North Texas Municipal Water District have not lifted water restrictions. The City of Plano will not lift restrictions unless Lake Lavon reaches a level of 491 feet.

As much as I need to recuperate for lost revenue, due to restrictions last year, I think that it is a wise move to continue enforcing water use. I cannot say that most of our customers come from or live outside Dallas County, but those who do have been forced to water wisely. Through fear of fines thousands of North Texas residents have had to adjust their irrigation systems to allow watering in many cases not to exceed once a week.

Several of my customers tell me that they water early in the morning of the permitted day and again after 7:00 pm on the same day. This should not be necessary but trying to tell them that is like trying to tell my dog not to beg for food at the table.

One inch of water is about all plants need per week. When you water in the morning and then again at night you may have runoff since the soil has received all the water that it could hold during the morning watering.

I know that I have said this before:

• Determine the time that it takes for your system to put out one inch of water.
• Determine the amount of time that it takes your soil to fill to capacity. When you start getting runoff. There is no need to apply any more water in that area until it seeps deeper into the soil.
• Determine how many frequencies you need to allow your system run so that your soils receive one inch of water.

Once you know how to use your system properly become more advance in your systems use.

Everyone should have a rain gauge placed near a window or near a door so that you can see how much rain you received during a storm. This is really important for days when it rains that coincide with days that you will be allowed to water. Save your money when you can.

If it rains and your gauge says that your area received ½ an inch only water long enough to put out ½ an inch.

The City of Dallas requires a rain sensor as part of every new system installed. This sensor does not permit an automatic system to irrigate during or immediately after rainfall. These sensors are not expensive or hard to install and should be included in every system. For those of you who may need a new control unit and really want to have a set up that monitors rainfall, soil moisture levels and humidity. So you spend a couple of extra bucks for a state of the art controller. So what!

The need for watering properly has come and will not go away. The intelligent controller will help you water wisely and save money, paying for itself in just a few months.

Weathermatic offers a unit called Smartline, model number SL1600 is their best seller for home use.

I have mentioned Dan Fisher as a sprinkler repair expert in past newsletters and still refer to him for all types of repairs, upgrades and adjustments to conform to your landscapes needs.

As spring comes around and you urges take you out doors pay attention to the plants that are not coming back. Freeze damage and drought damage may have killed some of your plants. DO NOT replace these plants with the same kind of plant. Do some homework on line or better yet at your local nursery. Find a tougher more suitable plant for that area.

Join a chapter of NPSOT or the Native Plant Society of Texas such as Dallas, Collin County or the one that meets here at Rohde’s, The Garland Chapter. NPSOT teaches us how to use Texas Native and well-adapted plants to minimize water requirements as well as insect and disease controls.

This Sunday, the 21^st, the Garland Chapter will have its first meeting of 2007. Please read the following newsletter for more information.