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As Perth heads into its long, dry summer, preparing your garden now can make all the difference. Here’s how to set your landscape up for success:
Mulching for Moisture Retention
Why It Matters in Perth’s Sandy Soils
Perth’s garden soils tend to be sandy, great for drainage, but not so great at retaining moisture. A layer of mulch over the top can dramatically reduce evaporation, keep root zones cooler, and suppress weeds. It’s a simple but powerful tool for ensuring your plants thrive as temperatures rise.
Best Mulch Types for Perth Home Gardens:
- Large grade wood chips or bark mulch: Excellent for tree roots and garden beds. These organic materials slowly break down, adding nutrients to the soil.
- Lucerne (alfalfa) mulch: High in nitrogen, great for vegetable gardens or areas where your plants could benefit from a nutrient boost.
- Compost blends: A good choice for mixing into garden beds for added soil structure and moisture retention.
How Much to Apply:
- Spread a 5 to 10 cm (2–4 in) max. layer around plants and over garden beds.
- Keep the mulch at least a few centimetres away from plant stems to prevent rot.
- Top up the layer in early summer if it becomes thin or degraded.
Spring Irrigation (Reticulation) Checklist
Getting your reticulation, or sprinkler system, ready now ensures peak performance throughout summer and keeps you compliant with water restrictions.
Start-Up Steps:
- Slowly turn on the main water valve to avoid pressure spikes and potential pipe damage.
- Run each zone manually via your controller and visually inspect them. Look for leaks, misalignments, or broken heads.
- Check sprinkler heads and filters: Clean debris, clear clogged nozzles, and replace damaged parts as needed.
- Inspect valves and pipes for leaks, cracks, or misalignment, especially after the winter months.
- Review and update your controller settings: Replace backup batteries, set correct time/date, and adjust watering duration.
- Consider installing a rain or weather sensor to save water by pausing watering when nature decides to step in.
- Run coverage tests by placing containers in each zone and measuring uniformity. Adjust heads or zone times as needed.
Perth-Specific Considerations:
- Perth’s water restrictions limit sprinkler use to before 9 am or after 6 pm. Always check your local watering roster and adhere to it.
Final Thoughts from The Arbor Centre
Spring is the perfect time to set yourself, and your garden, up for a flourishing summer. Mulching locks in moisture when it matters most, while a carefully checked reticulation system ensures efficient, compliant watering all season long.
At Arbor Centre, we hope these tips help your garden thrive as summer approaches. Our specialist services in green surgery, consultancy and tree supply & Relocation are all about ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of trees, helping your landscape flourish season after season.
Learn more about how Arbor Centre can support your landscape: Arbor Centre Services
Get in touch with us today
📧 ua.moc.ertnecrobra@seiriuqne
📞 (08) 9359 9300
visit www.arborcentre.com.au