Set up a hose irrigation system for great benefits at a reduced cost
Set up a hose irrigation system for great benefits at a reduced cost The most efficient way to water your yard is by using an automatic irrigation system with underground valves. Hand watering can be problematic because it can lead to inconsistent watering, causing…
Designing Shade the Right Way: Trees, Shade Sails and Pergolas for a Comfortable Yard
Designing Shade the Right Way: Trees, Shade Sails and Pergolas for a Comfortable Yard Creating shade in a landscape is about far more than escaping the summer heat. The right shade strategy can reduce energy costs, maximize moisture absorption of plants, improve…
Irrigation 101 Tutorials
Water Meter Information How can I find my water meter? Irrigation Valve Information Do I have an irrigation valve on my property? Install Drip Line from Irrigation Valve Learn how to install drip irrigation to your irrigation valves. How to Install Water to a Tree…
Common Planting Design Mistakes
1. Too many different plants spread out like polka dots Often when homeowners begin to design their yard, they get excited by the variety of plants in our Xeriscape Guide. Similarly, going to a well-stocked nursery in the spring can be like going to a candy store —…
How to Get Gravel Out of Your Yard
Maybe you recently moved into a house that has never been updated — think avocado tile in the bathroom and shag carpet in the sunken living room. You look outside and the theme continues — a sea of gravel and railroad ties. As with interiors, home exterior fashions…
Track Your Water Use Online
If you have a meter equipped with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) as shown in the photo above, you can log into your Water Authority account and see your hour-by-hour usage. This may help you locate any issues in your house or yard, such as a continuous water…
Prep Now for a Great Edible Winter Garden
Growing winter veggies is a fun and valuable effort more people should experiment with in our area. In many ways, winter gardening is a lot easier than trying to garden in the summer — there are fewer pests, cooler temperatures require less watering and common winter…
Albuquerque Backyard Refuge Certification Program
The ABQ Backyard Refuge Program is working with greater Albuquerque residents to create a mosaic of habitat across the city that will support a wide variety of both year-round and migrating wildlife. The program, which is managed by the Friends of Valle de Oro…
How to Transform Your Thirsty Lawn in 6 Steps
You undoubtedly have seen your neighbors and friends around town removing their grass lawns and replacing them with water efficient desert friendly xeriscapes. You may yourself be interested in doing the same with your yard but perhaps are overwhelmed by the tasks or…
How to Install Irrigation Sprinkler Bodies and Spray Nozzles
Grass lawns in the greater Albuquerque area need supplemental irrigation to survive our high desert climate. Most residential landscapes are watered by pop-up spray heads that include a sprinkler nozzle set into a spray sprinkler body. We recommend switching out your…