Having a diseased tree can be devastating to every type of tree. Generally a tree disease is brought about by an infestation from bacteria, fungus, or a virus. If you know the symptoms to watch out for you can save the tree and more importantly save you money, as replacing trees on your property can be expensive. You can learn the various techniques to diagnosing a diseased tree in order for you to keep your trees healthy and looking great.

Here are a few tips on how to diagnose a diseased tree.

• You should know that the there are various ways to diagnose a tree, as it will vary for different seasons and because of various environmental factors.
• When you diagnose the tree use the whole tree as a specimen. Examine every part of the tree such as the roots, branches, and leaves and then record what you find. You can record the weather trends for the past few months because if there is a too much precipitation or not enough of it the tree disease is affected.
• Be aware that there are three categories for a diseased tree, which are bacteria, viral, and fungus. A fungal disease in a tree is the most common type of tree disease and if you catch it early enough you can control the disease with copper containing fungicides.
• Inspect the leaves of the tree and see if the leaves are discolored or wilted. Look at the trunk of the tree for dead bark or growths. The growths on the tree trunk are referred to as “cankers”, which are caused by fungi. If, after inspection, you think your tree may be diseased you should call a professional, such as a landscaper or arborist, to look at the tree. A professional can look over the tree taking a sample of it and either confirm your suspicions or tell you the tree is not diseased.
• You should prevent root disease, which is the most common form of tree disease. If you do this you can prevent root rot, as there is no cure for root rot. Carefully inspect the soil and see if there is fungus in it before planting a tree in that area. You can avoid root damage on a tree by not over watering it and keeping pests away from it. Make sure you keep the lower part of the tree trunk protected from damage as this is the most important area of the tree.

Tips

• To further prevent tree disease you should keep your trees pruned and make sure to plant your trees where they will receive a lot of sun, as tree diseases tend to thrive in atmospheres where there is more moisture present.
• You have to make sure to always disinfect the pruning shears you use when you trim off the diseased parts of the tree. By doing this you will infect other trees with the disease when you use the same pruning shears.

Article source: http://www.handyhouseholdhints.com

The trees in your yard can provide you with a nice shady place to sit. They can also have an effect on your cooling bills during the summer when they are close to your house.

But, these trees have a big impact on the total look of your landscaping! Taking care of the trees in your yard is just as important as taking care of your bushes and plants!

Pruning is a very important step to make the trees in your yard attractive! By pruning you can give the desired shape to your trees and also help keep the trees height under control!

The best time of the year to do any shaping of your trees is in the spring when all the new growth is just starting. Only minimal or necessary pruning should be done through the summer. Pruning done through summer months will help to encourage new growth.

The only pruning that should really be done in the fall, is to clear the tree of dead limbs and such. Trees that have a lot of sap shouldn’t be pruned during the winter months. The only trees that do well when pruned in the winter are deciduous trees.

Sometimes you can’t pick the season to trim your trees. Limbs that are growing into or over power lines may need to be pruned immediately. And, limbs that over hang your roof can cause the roof to rot and eventually leak and should be cut when necessary.

Before doing any pruning, take a good look at the trees shape from all sides. If there are parts of the tree that need to be cut out, then you may not be able to get the exact shape that you want.

You need to check for broken limbs, limbs that cross over each other and crowded limbs. Other things to look for are low growing limbs and limbs that are too close to the trunk of the tree.

Using the proper tools to prune your trees will not only make the job easier, it can protect the health of your tree. Handsaws can be used for the larger limbs and pruning shears can be used for smaller branches. But, what ever tool you use should be sharp so that the cuts are straight and not all jagged!

Sharp tools will help ensure that the trees bark remains undamaged. Damaging the trees bark can cause the limb to die and if the damage is bad enough, it can kill some whole trees!

There are a few tricks to help avoid tearing the trees bark when cutting larger limbs. You should make a cut at both the top and bottom of the limb about 1/4 – 1/2 inch apart. Make the two cuts just offset from each other leaving the main center of the limb uncut.

Once you’ve gotten the two cuts made, then go back and finish cutting the limb off. For heavier limbs, you can tie a rope around the limb and fasten it to a higher branch. This will keep the limb from just suddenly falling and jerking the bark loose!

Most professionals use to apply tree paint to cover the newly exposed area. But, even professionals have realized that the tree will heal faster if it’s left to heal naturally!

Another very important factor to consider when doing your own pruning, is the structures or items near your tree. What seems like a small limb high up in a tree, may be larger than you think and destroy something if it falls on it!

Article source: http://www.handyhouseholdhints.com

Author: Simon Graham

Satisfying Both The Homeowner And The Yard: Installed Lawn Irrigation Systems

Summer is meant to be a time of relaxation and refreshment, and that is why many homeowners are turning to installed lawn irrigation systems in to save them the trouble of dealing with yard work. Not only do installed lawn irrigation systems save time and money, but they are also great at saving water. Whether the lawn is large or small, flat or sloped, lawn irrigation systems are tailored to fit your yard’s needs and keep it looking healthy and green all summer long.

Homeowners have a choice of two different types of sprinkler-heads when deciding what is best for their yard. The spray and rotor head can both be used for watering a lawn, but there are differences in the way they water. A spray head is usually used on flat, small plots of land because it will discharge more water over a short amount of time. Spray nozzles do not rotate, but they do come in a variety of patterns and distances.

For a large yard, or a yard with slopes and uneven surfaces, the rotor head is a better choice. The rotor head rotates and distributes water at a slower rate than the spray head. Because the nozzle is bigger, there is less chance of it getting clogged and it can water just as much land as a spray, but with less sprinkler heads.

Whichever sprinkler is installed, there is no denying the countless benefits received from an installed lawn irrigation system. Store-bought sprinklers run the risk of watering more driveway than yard, and that is a quick way to waste water. Hoses have to be untangled, recoiled, and stretched all over the yard. The time and energy put forth running inside and out to turn off the sprinkler still doesn’t ensure that you’re even watering the right areas or giving enough water to your lawn. With an installed irrigation system that is set to turn on and off consistently, that will never be a worry again. Each system will also ensure that your lawn gets the right amount of water where it is needed most.

Lawn irrigations systems also save a homeowner money and the headache of dealing with unpredictable water bills. Because the system will target your lawn personally, the amount of water used will be consistent and fit your lawn’s needs. The water will target the roots and accommodate the size and slope of a yard, so the run-off is minimal and the driveway and house left dry. Plus, no more leaky hoses or forgotten sprinklers means the water is used where you want it used, and the water bill is a low, constant rate.

Installing a lawn irrigation system is also a good way to help the environment around your home. Healthy plants provide more oxygen, and when you know what it is your lawn demands, you are better able to cultivate it to its fullest. The slope of the land, the season, and even the type of soil can be a factor when deciding how to water and with an installed system you will never have to worry about your lawn being provided for.

For those that are away from home or plan to take a week vacation, an installed lawn irrigation system ensures that your lawn is securely provided for. The homeowner chooses what time the sprinklers activate, how long they run for, and even the amount of water used. Any adjustments can be made right from inside the home with a push of a button. Special rain sensors can even stop the sprinklers from wasting water during a rainstorm.

When it comes time to save money, time, and energy during your summer vacation an installed irrigation system is a must-have tool for any homeowner. Never again worry about wasting water, or running back and forth to turn on and off the hose. There are fewer leaks, less run-off, and more results. Installed irrigation systems target the roots of your lawn with the right amount of water and the timing is reliable and flexible to the homeowner’s wants and needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit

In theory, it’s pretty easy to water a lawn. Just turn on the sprinkler or sprinkler system and leave it on for, oh, 15 minutes, or 20, maybe an hour… Oh, just leave it on until the water runs down the street and geese begin setting up nests in the grass!In truth, most people haven’t the faintest idea how long to leave their sprinklers on. While you may think you’re doing OK, you could actually be wasting water by overwatering your grass, or you might be slowly killing it by underwatering. So how long should you leave your sprinklers on? The surest way is to dig small holes or wedges in your lawn as described in this article. If you’re not keen on that, though, here’s a simple method that can also help you check the functioning of your sprinkler system.

Steps

1. Get several shallow cans of equal size. Tuna cans work great for this, but just about any flat-bottomed container with a wide opening will work. The opening of the container should be as large as the bottom (bottles, for example, are not a good choice, because the opening is usually much smaller than the rest of the bottle). All the cans must be of the same size. You don’t need more than 3 or 4 cans for each sprinkler head, though the more you have the more accurate your measurements will be.
2. Arrange the cans (open end up) in the lawn around your sprinkler(s). If you just have one sprinkler, set up the cans in various places within the sprinkler’s range. If you have an irrigation system (sprinkler system) with multiple sprinkler heads, set up several cans within the range of each sprinkler head, avoiding any areas with overlap (places that get water from two or more sprinkler heads). Try to distribute the cans in such a way as to sample every area the sprinkler waters.
3. Turn on your sprinkler(s) for 15 minutes. If you have a sprinkler system, just turn it on. If you use a hose with a spigot, you want to use the same water pressure that would when you normally water. If you usually just turn the water on full blast, do that. If not, mark a spot on the handle with a marker or a piece of tape or string, and note what position the mark is in when you turn the handle to achieve the desired flow.
4. Measure the water collected in the cans. Once you turn the water off, collect the cans and pour all the water into one container. The container must be exactly the same as the containers you used to collect the water. Use a ruler to measure how many inches of water are in the can. If you’re testing more than one sprinkler, measure each set of cans (the cans around each individual sprinkler) separately from the sets of cans around the other sprinkler heads.
5. Find the average number of inches collected. Divide the total inches measured in the previous step by the number of cans used to collect the water. For example, if you arranged four cans around a sprinkler and collected a total of 2″, the average per can is 0.5″ (2″ / 4 cans). This is the average amount of water distributed onto your lawn in 15 minutes.
6. Figure out how much water your lawn needs. Deep watering is essential to promote healthy, drought-resistant grass. The amount of water your lawn requires depends on the type of grass you have and the type of soil.
   • In general, you should water bluegrass so that the water penetrates 6-8″ in the soil; for most other types of grass, you should aim for 8-12″.
   • 1″ of water applied to the surface will generally permeate sandy soil to 12″, loamy soil to 6-8″, and clay soil to 4-5″.
7. Determine how long to leave your sprinkler(s) on. Use the measurement you obtained to calculate how long you’ll need to water according to the guidelines for your grass and soil type. For instance, if your measurements indicate that your sprinkler distributes 0.5″ of water in 15 minutes, you will need to leave your sprinkler on for 30 minutes if you have bluegrass and loamy soil, since 30 minutes of watering will give your lawn 1″ (2 X 0.5″) of water, and 1″ of water will penetrate loamy soil to a depth of 6-8″, which is exactly the amount required for bluegrass.
8. Ensure adequate, even coverage. If you’re checking a sprinkler system and find that one or more sprinkler heads distribute significantly more or less water than the others, you should determine the problem to avoid watering some parts of your lawn more than others. This can happen for a couple reasons.
   • If you have different types of sprinkler heads, you should either change the heads to ensure they’re all the same, or zone your sprinkler system so that heads with a greater flow are in a separate zone from those with lesser flows. This way you can turn zones with different flows on and off separately to ensure that each zone is watered only as long as it needs to be.
   • If your sprinkler heads are all the same and you don’t have different zones, you may have a problem with your sprinkler system. A broken sprinkler head may be distributing too much or too little water, or an obstruction or leak somewhere in the line could reduce the flow to one or more heads.

Tips

• This method can also be applied to other plants that you water with a sprinkler. It’s important, however, to determine the depth of the root zone for each type of plant. Certain vegetables, for example, can have root zones 4-5 feet deep.
• How often should you water? Only when your grass needs it. Check out the related wikiHow article on how to efficiently water your lawn for more information on how to tell when your lawn needs to be watered.
• As you collect the cans from around each sprinkler, take note of any anomalies, such as cans that collected far more or far less water than the other cans around the same sprinkler. This can help you diagnose any problems with your watering coverage.
• If one container won’t hold all the water you collected, pour as much water into the container as you can, measure it, and then pour it out and pour more water into it. Add the measurements together and then calculate the average based on this total.

Warnings

• Newly seeded or sodded lawns require shallower, more frequent spritzing (also called syringing) to keep the top layer of soil damp.
• Avoid runoff. Some soil types won’t be able to quickly absorb the full amount of water required. If you notice water running off your lawn, turn off the sprinklers to allow the water to soak in, and then turn them back on to complete the recommended watering time.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Calibrate Your Sprinklers. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

ALAMEDA COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

East Bay Municipal Utility District
P.O. Box 24055 MS 48
Oakland, CA 94623
Phone: (866) 403-2683
www.ebmud.com
Conservation Website: http://www.ebmud.com/conserving_&_recycling/

Zone 7 Water Agency
100 North Canyon Parkway
Livermore, CA 94551-9486
Phone: (925) 454-5065
www.zone7water.com
Conservation Website: http://www.zone7water.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=235

Alameda County Water District
43885 S. Grimmer Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 668-4207
Conservation Department Phone: (510) 668-4200
www.acwd.org
Conservation Website: http://www.acwd.org/water_conservation.php5

Cal Water – Livermore
195 South “N” Street
Livermore, CA 94550-4350
Phone: (925) 447-4900
www.calwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/WaterConservation.html

Dublin San Ramon S. District
7051 Dublin Boulevard
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: (925) 828-0515
Conservation Department Phone: 925-875-2336
www.dsrsd.com
Conservation Website: http://www.dsrsd.com/your_water_services/rebates.html

Livermore Water Department
101 W. Jack London Boulevard
Livermore, CA 94551
Phone: (925) 960-4320
Conservation Department Phone: 925-960-8121
www.ci.livermore.ca.us/wrd/
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.livermore.ca.us/wrd/conservation.html

Pleasanton Water Department
200 Old Bernal Avenue
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Phone: (925) 931-5425
Conservation Department Phone: 925-931-5425
www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/government/departments/works/

Hayward Water Department
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
Phone: (510) 583-4723
http://www.hayward-ca.gov/
Conservation Website: http://www.hayward-ca.gov/webware/Default.aspx?Message=3361&t=-1

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Contra Costa Water District
1331 Concord Avenue
P.O. Box H2O
Concord, CA 94524
Conservation Department Phone: (925) 688-8320
www.ccwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.ccwater.com/conserve/
QUICK LINK: VIEW THE CONTRA COSTA WATER SAVING HERO PAGE HERE.

East Bay Municipal Utility District
P.O. Box 24055 MS 48
Oakland, CA 94623
Phone: (866) 403-2683
www.ebmud.com
Conservation Website: http://www.ebmud.com/conserving_&_recycling/

Zone 7 Water Agency
100 North Canyon Parkway
Livermore, CA 94551-9486
Phone: (925) 454-5065
www.zone7water.com
Conservation Website: http://www.zone7water.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=235

Antioch Water Department
Third & “H” Streets
Antioch, CA 94509
www.ci.antioch.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/PublicWorks/Water/
Conservation programs provided by Contra Costa Water: www.ccwater.com/conserve/

City Of Brentwood
2201 Elkins Way
Brentwood, CA 94513
Conservation Department Phone: (925) 516-6000
www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/department/pw/operations/water/index.cfm
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/department/pw/operations/water/general.cfm#water

Diablo Water District
2107 Main Street
Oakley, CA 94561
Phone: (925) 625-3798
http://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/subpage.cfm?page=432824
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/subpage.cfm?page=914876
Conservation programs provided by Contra Costa Water: www.ccwater.com/conserve/

Pittsburg Water Department
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 252-4940
ci.pittsburg.ca.us/pittsburg/
Conservation programs provided by Contra Costa Water: www.ccwater.com/conserve/

Martinez Water Department
525 Henrietta Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 372-3515
http://www.cityofmartinez.org/depts/community/water.asp
Conservation programs provided by Contra Costa Water: www.ccwater.com/conserve/

Byron Bethany Irrigation District
3944 Main Street
Byron, CA 94514
Phone: (925) 634-3534
www.bbid.org

East Contra Costa Irrigation District
626 First Street
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: (925) 634-5951

Golden State Water Company
53 B Manor Drive
Bay Point, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 458-2090
Conservation programs provided by Contra Costa Water: www.ccwater.com/conserve/

MARIN COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Marin Municipal Water District
220 Nellen Avenue
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone: (415) 945-1520
Conservation Department Phone: (415) 945-1455
www.marinwater.org
Conservation Website: http://www.marinwater.org/controller?action=menuclick&id=257
QUICK LINK: VIEW THE MARIN MUNICIPAL WATER SAVING HERO PAGE HERE.

Bolinas Community Public Utility District
270 Elm Road
Bolinas, CA 94924
Phone: (415) 868-1224
www.bcpud.org

Inverness Public Utility District
P.O. Box 469
50 Inverness Way
Inverness, CA 94937

North Marin Water District
999 Rush Creek Place
Novato, CA 94945
www.nmwd.com

Stinson Beach County Water District
3785 Shoreline Highway
Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Phone: (415) 868-1333
stinson-beach-cwd.dst.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://stinson-beach-cwd.dst.ca.us/conservation.html

NAPA COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Napa Water Department
1340 Clay Street
Napa, CA 94559
Conservation Department Phone: (707) 257-9497
www.cityofnapa.org/water
QUICK LINK: VIEW THE CITY OF NAPA WATER SAVING HERO PAGE HERE.

Calistoga Water Department
1232 Washington St
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 942-2780
http://www.ci.calistoga.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=221

American Canyon Water Department
205 Wetlands Edge Road
American Canyon, CA 94503
Phone: (707) 647-4550
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.american-canyon.ca.us/Departments/Public_Works/section_index.htm

St. Helena Water Department
1480 Main Street
St.Helena, CA 94574
Phone: (707) 968-2745
http://city.ci.st-helena.ca.us/section.cfm?id=111

Yountville Water Department
6550 Yount Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 944-2655
Phone: (707) 944-8851
www.townofyountville.com/Sewer_Service.html

Congress Valley Water District
P.O. Box 3023
Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 256-0344
www.congressvalleywaterdistrict.com/Contact_Us.html

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1155 Market Street, 1st Fl
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-554-3155
Conservation Department Phone: (415) 551-4730
www.sfwater.org
Conservation Website: http://sfwater.org/mc_main.cfm/MC_ID/16

SAN MATEO COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Burlingame Water Services
501 Primrose Road
Burlingame, CA 94010-3997
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 558-7200
www.burlingame.org
Conservation Website: http://www.burlingame.org/Index.aspx?page=59

Coastside County Water District
766 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 726-4405
www.coastsidewater.org
Conservation Website: http://www.coastsidewater.org/water-conservation.html

Daly City Water Department
153 Lake Merced Boulevard
Daly City, CA 94015
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 991-8208
http://www.dalycity.org/city_services/depts/wwr/water.htm
Conservation Website: http://www.dalycity.org/city_services/depts/wwr/water_conserve.html

American Water – East Palo Alto
2415 University Avenue, 2nd Floor
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 322-2083

Estero Municipal Improvement District
610 Foster City Boulevard
Foster City, CA 94404
Phone: (650) 286-8140
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 286-3200
www.fostercity.org/Services/water/
Conservation Website: http://www.fostercity.org/Services/water/Water-Information.cfm

Menlo Park Municipal Water District
701 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (650) 330-6763
http://www.menlopark.org/departments/pwk/mpmwd.html
Conservation Website: http://www.menlopark.org/departments/pwk/mpmwd.html

Mid Peninsula Water District
3 Dairy Lane
P.O. Box 129
Belmont, CA 94002
www.midpeninsulawater.org
Conservation Website: http://www.midpeninsulawater.org/view/24

Millbrae Water Department
621 Magnolia Street
Millbrae, CA 94030
Phone: (650) 259-2348
www.ci.millbrae.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.millbrae.ca.us/pw-waterconservation.html

North Coast County Water District
2400 Francisco Boulevard
P.O. Box 1039
Pacifica, CA 94044-6039
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 355-3462
www.nccwd.com
Conservation Website: http://www.nccwd.com/conserv.htm

Redwood City Water Department
1400 Broadway
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 780-7436
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 780-7464
www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://www.redwoodcity.org/publicworks/water/water_conservation.htm

San Bruno Water Department
567 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066
Phone: (650) 616-7068
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 616-7065
sanbruno.ca.gov
Conservation Website: http://www.sanbrunowater.ca.gov/

Skyline County Water District
14944 Skyline Boulevard
Woodside, CA 94062-4746
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 851-0529
www.skylinewtr.org
Conservation Website: http://www.skylinewtr.org/conservation.html

Brisbane Public Works Department
City Hall, 50 Park Place
Brisbane, CA 94005
Phone: 415-508-2130
Conservation Department Phone: (415) 508-2130
ci.brisbane.ca.us

Cal Water – Bear Gulch
3351 El Camino Real, Suite 190
Atherton, CA 94027
Phone: (650) 367-6800
Email: infoBG@calwater.com
www.calwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/WaterConservation.html

Cal Water – Mid Peninsula
341 North Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94401-1727
Phone: (650) 558-7800
Email: infoBAY@calwater.com
www.calwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/WaterConservation.html

Cal Water – So. San Francisco
341 North Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94401-1727
Phone: (650) 558-7800
Email: infoBAY@calwater.com
www.calwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/WaterConservation.html

Hillsborough Water Department
1600 Floribunda Avenue
Hillsborough, CA 94010
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 375-7400
www.hillsborough.net
Conservation Website: http://www.hillsborough.net/depts/pw/water/default.asp

SANTA CLARA COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Most conservation programs in Santa Clara County are provided through the
Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Santa Clara Valley Water District
5750 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118-3686
Phone: (408) 265-2607 ext 2554
http://www.valleywater.org
Conservation Website: http://www.valleywater.org/Water/Water_conservation/index.shtm

Cal Water- Los Altos
949 “B” Street
Los Altos, CA 94024
Phone: (650) 917-0152
www.calwater.com/
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/Conservation.html

City of Milpitas
455 East CalAvenueras Boulevard
Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (408) 586-2605
Conservation Department Phone: (408) 586-3000
www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/citydept/publicworks/waterconservation.htm

City of Mountain View
500 Castro Street
Post Office Box 7540
Mountain View, CA 94039-7540
Phone: (650) 903-6269
www.mountainview.gov
Conservation Website: http://www.mountainview.gov/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=154&TargetID=1

City Of Palo Alto Utilities
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
www.cityofpaloalto.org/utilities/
Conservation Website: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/utl/news/details.asp?NewsID=473&TargetID=12

City Of Santa Clara
1500 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone: (408) 615-2014
Conservation Department Phone: 408-615-2000
www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://ci.santa-clara.ca.us/pub_utility/ws_conservation_programs.html

City Of Sunnyvale
456 West Olive Avenuenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94088
Phone: (408) 730-7510
Conservation Department Phone: 408-730-7500
www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Departments/Public+Works/Water+Supply/

Gilroy Water Department
7351 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
Phone: (408) 846-0420
Conservation Department Phone: 408-265-2607, ext. 2554
http://www.ci.gilroy.ca.us/comserv/water.html
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.gilroy.ca.us/comserv/water_conservation.html

Great Oaks Water Company
15 Great Oaks Boulevard., Ste 100
San Jose, CA 95119
Phone: (408) 227-9540
Conservation Department Phone: same
http://www.greatoakswater.com/
Conservation Website: http://www.calwaterassn.com/Conservation.htm

Morgan Hill Water Department
17555 Peak Avenue.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Phone: (408) 776-7337
http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/html/gov/pw/utility.asp
Conservation Website: http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/html/citysvc/envir/water.asp

Purissima Hills Water District
26375 Fremont Rd.
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 948-1217
www.smartvoter.org/gtg/ca/scl/dis/prhwd

San Jose Municipal Water System
3025 Tuers Road
San Jose, CA 95121
Phone: (408) 945-3000 & (408) 975-2579
http://www.sjmuniwater.com/
Conservation Website: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/water-conservation

San Jose Water Company
374 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95196
Phone: (408) 279-7900
http://www.sjwater.com/customer/index.jsp
Conservation Website: http://www.sjwater.com/conservation/index.jsp

Stanford University
315 Bonair Siding
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: (650) 723-4570
Conservation Department Phone: (650) 723-2281
http://facilities.stanford.edu/environment/
Conservation Website: http://facilities.stanford.edu/conservation/

SOLANO COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Solano County Water Agency
6040 Vaca Station Road
Elmira, CA 95625
Phone: (707) 451-6090
http://www.solanosaveswater.org
Conservation Website:http://www.solanosaveswater.org
QUICK LINK: VIEW THE SOLANO COUNTY WATER SAVING HERO PAGE HERE.

Benicia Water Department
250 East L Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Phone: (707) 746-4200
http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/publicworks.php
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/publicworks.php

Cal Water- Dixon
201 South First Street
Dixon, CA 95620
Phone: (707) 678-5928
http://www.calwater.com
Conservation Website: http://www.calwater.com/Conservation.html

Fairfield Water Department
1000 Webster Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Phone: (707) 428-7346
Conservation Department Phone: 707-428-7487
http://www.ci.fairfield.ca.us/Water_and_Sewer_Services.htm
Conservation Website: http://www.scwa2.com/water.html

Solano Irrigation District
508 Elmira Road
Vacaville, CA 95687
Phone: (707) 448-6847
http://www.sidwater.org

Vacaville Water Department
650 Merchant Street
Vacaville, CA 95688
Phone: (707) 449-5170
http://www.ci.vacaville.ca.us
Conservation Website: http://www.cityofvacaville.com/departments/public_works/water.php

Vallejo Water Department
555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707) 648-4479
http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=612&Frame=L1

SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCIES

Sonoma County Water Agency
404 Aviation Boulevard
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 526-5370
http://www.scwa.ca.gov/
Conservation Website: http://www.sonomacountywater.org/water_conservation/
QUICK LINK: VIEW THE SONOMA COUNTY WATER SAVING HERO PAGE HERE.

Sonoma Water Department
No. 1 The Plaza
Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone: (707) 938-3681
http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=338
Conservation Website: http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=399

Bodega Bay Public Utility District
265 Doran Park Road
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Phone: (707) 875-3332

Cloverdale Water Department
124 North Cloverdale Boulevard
Cloverdale, CA 95425
Phone: (707) 894-1700
www.cloverdale.net

Cotati Water Department
201 West Sierra Avenuenue
Cotati, CA 94931
Phone: (707) 792-4600 ext. 631
www.ci.cotati.ca.us

Forestville County Water District
6530 Mirabel Road
Forestville, CA 95436
Phone: (707) 887-1551

Healdsburg Water Department
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 431-3346
Conservation Department Phone: 707) 431-3122
www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/cms/
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_505943d7-7f000010-d0f59e00-de87a6dc

Occidental Community Services
7131 Mirabel Road
Forrestville, CA 95436
Phone: (707) 887-7735
Conservation Department Phone: (800) 244-5518
http://www.rruwater.com/rru/systems/occidental.html

Penngrove/ Kenwood Water Company
4984 Sonoma Hwy
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Phone: (707) 539-6397
Conservation Department Phone: (707) 539-6397

Petaluma Water Department
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: (707) 778-4350
Conservation Department Phone: (707) 778-4507
www.cityofpetaluma.net
Conservation Website: http://cityofpetaluma.net/wrcd/waterconservation.html

Rohnert Park Water Department
6800 Hunter Drive, Suite B
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone: (707) 585-6750
Conservation Department Phone: www.ci.rohnert-park.ca.us

Russian River Utility
7131 Mirabel Road
Forestville, CA 95436
Phone: (707) 887-7735
http://www.rruwater.com/rru/about.html

Santa Rosa Water Department
69 Stony Circle
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 543-4200
Conservation Phone: (707) 543-3985
www.srcity.org/ut
Conservation Website: www.srcity.org/wc

Sebastopol Water Department
7120 Bodega Avenuenue
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: (707) 823-7863
http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/index.shtml
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us/waterconservation.shtml

Sereno Del Mar Water Company
7131 Mirabel Road
Forrestville, CA 95436
Phone: (707) 887-7735
Conservation Department Phone: (800) 244-5518
http://www.rruwater.com/rru/systems/sereno.html

Valley Of The Moon Water District
19039 Bay Street
El Verano, CA 95433
Phone: (707) 996-1037
Conservation Department Phone: (707) 547-1968
www.vomwd.com
Conservation Website: http://www.vomwd.com/conservation.html

Windsor Water Department
9291 Old Redwood Highway, Bldg 300A
Windsor, CA 95492
Phone: (707) 838-1004
Conservation Department Phone: (707) 838-5357
http://www.ci.windsor.ca.us/
Conservation Website: http://www.ci.windsor.ca.us/3036.html

]]> http://www.landscapingbayarea.com/articles/bay-area-water-agencies/feed/ 0 http://www.landscapingbayarea.com/articles/green-landscaping-ideas-video/ http://www.landscapingbayarea.com/articles/green-landscaping-ideas-video/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:51:34 +0000 Kenneth http://www.landscapingbayarea.com/?p=524 Great landscaping ideas and projects can enhance your home and garden in distinct ways. The following video highlights often overlooked ideas that can make a difference in the final look and functionality of your landscape design. This video is a great starting point for homeowners and landscape contractors alike to build upon existing projects or start designing brand new beautiful landscapes.

Some of the great topics that the video will cover include:

• How to capture and conserve water for optimum efficiency, also known as grey water
• Designing alternative water systems
• Landscapes that use less turf and more water efficient, drought tolerant plants
• Using bamboo to build a trellis for the garden

And much more!

Don’t forget to seek guidance with your local nursery and landscape contractor for even more exciting ideas and solutions to your lawn and garden problems.

Mould that is growing on concrete pavers is the most dangerous of moulds and should be taken care of as soon as it is found. Paving mould can be not only dangerous to your family’s health but can also cause weakness in the paving system leading to accidents or worse.

Paving Mould is most often caused by excess water being held on the pavers. So the first step to preventing paving mould is to identify and eliminate any water leaks nearby and to make sure that any areas that have standing water issues are repaired. Take a walk around your property after a good rain and take photographs of all the areas that have water on or near them in good amounts. This will help you when you sit down to prepare a list of items to buy for repairs. Especially look at regions of your yard that are level, if these are near the pavers then you will need to build burms to elevate the land about 6 inches in height.

You should also purchase some water proofing solution for the pavers. It is most important to pay attention to the joints between the pavers when water proofing as this is where most moulds begin to grow. There are waterproof caulking choices now available at most hardware centers to allow you to do joint waterproofing and repair.

If the pavers are in an area where condensation is a factor, make sure that the area has proper insulation installed. Sometimes this can also be combated by allowing for proper ventilation by use of air movement, or a fan.

If the paving mould is on an area that is near an air conditioning unit, it is time to think about either relocating the unit or having a new unit installed. The water that drips down is causing the paving mould and also is costing you dearly each year to run the machine.

Sometimes the paving mould buildup is too immense and the pavers will need to be removed and a whole new paving system to be installed. The good part about removal is that today’s paving systems are almost always pre-waterproofed. The way the new paving systems are installed is first water proof the pavers then they are insulated and then leveled if need be. While remedial waterproofing is always a sound first choice, having a contractor make that decision will mean you will not have to go through this again in a few years time.

Paving mould is no laughing matter and unless treated and rectified immediately it will lead to even more costly and time consuming problems in your landscape in the future so it is worthwhile to tackle the paving mould problem at first sight. Contact a local paving company to have them take a look at your paving mould and help you decide what to do.

Reference
Article

People are drawn to using paving stones in their driveways because they are very  classy looking. No matter what specific color, style, shape or pattern that you  choose, the end result is always fantastic. Compared with boring, traditional  driveways made out of poured concrete slabs, gravel, asphalt, dirt or loose  stones, paving stone is head and shoulders the more attractive option. Not only  is it very customizable, but it is also incredibly durable and very worthwhile  investment for the benefit of your home.

Paving stone can be installed quite easily by a professional mason or other type  of contractor. This material, when done properly, can last for years and years  without any problem whatsoever. Including things like edging to the driveway can  also enhance the durable quality of its design, but is by no means mandatory. A  professional installer can examine the way that your landscape is laid out to  determine which type of paving stone will work the best for you.

Coordinating your paving stone driveway with the overall theme of your home and  its yard is very easy to do, which is another reason why so many people choose  it. The colors available in paving stones truly run the entire spectrum, and can  be used to subtly set off the tone of the house and of the foliage around the  property. A professional mason or contractor will have the expertise to  determine which specific style of stone will be best suited to the general look  of your yard and its landscaping. When the right shade and style is selected,  the effect can be quite dramatic indeed.

When you install a professionally designed paving stone driveway, your home will  truly stand out when compared with neighboring houses. While everyone else will  still have boring, dull traditional driveways, your home is bound to be the  showcase example on the street as far as style and class is concerned. Parking  your car on a finely designed driveway is a very welcome way of returning home  at the end of a long day at work, as well; approaching your home will never be  quite the same when it has an amazing, paving stone driveway.

So, if you are trying to find a way to give your yard a dramatic new look,  seriously consider having paving stones installed for your driveway. It is an  amazingly easy way of giving your yard and home a fresh new appearance. Your  property value will be served well by such an investment too.

Reference
Article

A visit to your local nursery will give you an incredible inventory of many of these trees, groundcovers, shrubs and other water efficient plants that will fit your property decoration goals, budget and most importantly will save water. For a starting point here is a list of a few of the many drought resistant plants available.

SHRUBS

• Blue Hibiscus
• Alyogyne huegelii Coyote Brush
• Baccharis pilularis  Barberry
• Berberis x stenophylla Bush Anemone
• Carpenteria californica Bush  Morning Glory
• Convolvulus cneorum Smoke Tree
• Cotinus coggygria Euryops
• Euryops pectinatus Pineapple Guava
• Feijoa sellowiana Texas Ranger
• Leucophyllum  sp. Pomegranate
• Punica granatum

TREES

• Madrone
• Arbutus menziesii Bottle Tree
• Brachychiton populneus Pindo Palm
• Butia capitata Australian Beefwood
• Casuarina stricta Honey Locust
• Gleditsia  triacanthos Sweet Bay
• Laurus nobilis Interior Live Oak
• Quercus wislizenii  Locust
• Robinia x ambigua Texas Mountain Laurel
• Sophora secundiflora Chaste  Tree
• Vitex agnus-castus

GROUNDCOVERS

• Bearberry
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Carmel Creeper
• Ceanthous  griseus horizontalis Red Spike Ice Plant
• Cephalophylum sp. Chamomile
• Chamaemelum nobile Creeping Coprosma
• Coprosma x kirkii Trailing Lantana
• Lantana montedivensis Creeping Mahonia
• Mahonia repens Pork and Beans
• Sedum  rubrotinctum Australian Bluebell Creeper
• Sollya heterophylla Wooly Thyme
• Thymus pseudolanuginosus

PERENNIALS

• Yarrow
• Achillea millefolium Columbine
• Aquilegia hybrids Wormwood
• Artemisia “Powis Castle” Italian Arum
• Arum italicum Cast Iron Plant
• Aspidistra  elatior Fortnight Lily
• Dietes iridioides Siberian Wallflower
• Erysimum x  allionii Blanketflower
• Gaillardia grandiflora Sunrose
• Helianthemum nummularium Crown Pink
• Lychnis coronaria

Shading your home can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 20°F (11°C). Effective shading can be provided by trees and other vegetation and exterior or  interior shades.

Trees that lose their leaves in the fall (i.e., deciduous) help cut cooling energy costs the most. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun and permit winter sunlight to reach and  warm your house. The height, growth rate, branch spread, and shape are all factors to consider in choosing a tree.

Vines are a quick way to provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a  house. Ask your local nursery which vine is best suited to your climate and  needs.

Besides providing shade, trees and vines create a cool microclimate that dramatically reduces the temperature (by as much as 9° F [5°C]) in the  surrounding area. During photosynthesis, large amounts of water vapor escape  through the leaves, cooling the passing air. And the generally dark and coarse leaves absorb solar radiation.

You might also consider low ground cover such as  grass, small plants, and bushes. A grass-covered lawn is usually 10°F (6°C) cooler than bare ground in the summer. If you are in an arid or semiarid climate, consider native ground covers that require little water.

Planning Your Planting

Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping  your home. The following are suggestions to help you gain the most from vegetation.

• Plant trees on the northeast-southeast and the northwest-southwest  sides of your house. Unless you live in a climate where it is hot year-round, do  not plant trees directly to the south. Even the bare branches of mature  deciduous trees can significantly reduce the amount of sun reaching your house  in the winter.

• Plant trees and shrubs so they can direct breezes. Do not place  a dense line of evergreen trees where they will block the flow of cool air  around or through them.

• Set trellises away from your house to allow air to  circulate and keep the vines from attaching to your house’s façade and damaging  its exterior. Placing vegetation too close to your house can trap heat and make  the air around your house even warmer.

• Do not plant trees or large bushes  where their roots can damage septic tanks, sewer lines, underground wires, or  your house’s foundation.

• Make sure the plants you choose can withstand local weather extremes.