Garden Alive Landscaping - Scotts Valley's Trusted Landscaping Services

Look for tell-tale signs like dry, brown patches of grass or stressed plants in between your sprinkler heads, especially on slopes or at the edges of your lawn. Water runoff on hardscapes is another clue. We recommend a simple 'can test'—placing empty tuna cans around your yard and running your system to see how evenly they fill. For a precise diagnosis, our team can perform a comprehensive irrigation audit to map your coverage and identify inefficient zones common in our local soil conditions.

Mulch erosion is common here due to our sloping terrain and seasonal rains. The most effective prevention is proper installation: creating a slight berm or trench at the edge of mulched beds to catch runoff, using a slightly heavier mulch like shredded bark that interlocks, and ensuring a depth of 2-3 inches—not too thick. For sloped areas, we often recommend installing erosion control netting beneath the mulch. We can assess your specific landscape and apply these techniques to keep your mulch in place and your soil protected.

Absolutely. Correcting sprinkler gaps and preventing mulch erosion are two of the most effective steps for water conservation in Scotts Valley. A properly tuned irrigation system eliminates wasteful overspray and dry spots, ensuring every drop counts. Meanwhile, a stable mulch layer reduces evaporation, keeps soil temperatures down, and improves water absorption, meaning you can water less frequently. Together, these solutions not only create a healthier landscape but also align with our community's focus on sustainable water use, potentially lowering your utility bills.