They're Baaaaack! Stage 2 Water Restrictions Return

[JERiv]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

I am in the process of getting a landscape design for xeriscaping my front yard. The good part is that my neighbor will be doing it too, so we won't have a conflict over grass growing into the xeriscape. We live in Circle C ranch. If you want to look at the new guidelines from the HOA for xeriscaping, go to Circle C Homeowners Association, Inc. - Resource Center and select the front yard guidelines. Perhaps showing them to other HOAs might give them the idea.

I live in CCR too. Didn't realized they'd changed the rules.

The rules look pretty good now! What company are you using for your lawn?

[orngkat]

In fact putting in too much rock and gravel would just turn the community into a heat island

I see so many yards converting to mostly rock or gravel landscaping this past year or so. It worries me too since it just makes everything look and feel HOT. I wonder if we shouldn't be planting more trees, ie shade. I am considering planting mini "forests" in my yard. Watering trees makes more sense than watering lawns IMO.

[G Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by orngkat

I see so many yards converting to mostly rock or gravel landscaping this past year or so. It worries me too since it just makes everything look and feel HOT. I wonder if we shouldn't be planting more trees, ie shade. I am considering planting mini "forests" in my yard. Watering trees makes more sense than watering lawns IMO.

You are right about this. My yard is almost completely shaded, and I wouldn't change that (love my oaks.) Xeriscape is often associated with rock and cactus, but it doesn't have to be. After all, we are in Texas, not Arizona. I am looking at a rock/flagstone path and a small dry creek for drainage, but otherwise, mostly mulched areas and native plants. There's nothing wrong with planting trees (at the right time of year,) but do make sure you are not overcrowding them, and get some good consultation on what trees are best for your setting. And remember also that natural forests do have an understory - shorter plants that grow well under trees. Plant diversity and planting natives bring birds and other wildlife.

[orngkat]

And remember also that natural forests do have an understory - shorter plants that grow well under trees. Plant diversity and planting natives bring birds and other wildlife.

Yes that's my plan. Looking into permaculture ideas too.

[ardamir]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

EDIT: "Soaker hoses on vegetable gardens" is an exemption specifically listed in the code it self.

Soaker Hose is defined in the code that is available from that website. Stage 2 Watering Restrictions | AustinTexas.gov - The Official Website of the City of Austin

I originally assumed that a Soaker Hose was a type of Drip Irrigation system, but in the revised code it self, which is linked to on the City Website they are defined differently.

http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/def..._8-16-2012.pdf

Drip Irrigation is defined as:

Which is completely wrong in my opinion. Almost all drip irrigation system components that I have seen are above ground. It does say "typically" so it is questionable that burying it is a requirement.

A Soaker House is defined as: So you could bury your soaker hose under mulch or dirt and it would comply as a "Drip Irrigation" system.

And there is more:

Incorrect. A soaker hose and drip irrigation are very different things and burying a soaker hose will not be considered drip irrigation. The key difference is in the definitions; drip is perforated whereas soaker is porous. A drip irrigation system has strategically spaced holes punctured into the line and are permanently installed (like a sprinkler system). Drip irrigation systems can also be constructed from various materials including PVC pipe, metal, rubber, etc... Soaker hoses are made of a porous rubber material, mobile, and consume more water than drip (usually).

The reason for exempting drip irrigation systems is to encourage residents to invest in them. Out at Mueller many of the medians, some common areas, and many yards are irrigated using drip and they look great.