Category Archives: Landscaping

Mandatory Water Restrictions Are Here

water restrictions san diego Last week the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to make voluntary water restrictions mandatory, starting on November 1st. This was promoted by a continuing drought, and the announcement from the water wholesaler for Southern California, Metropolitan Water District, that it has only 49% of its usual water storage capacity available.

Back in March, we addressed the drought with some tips for drought-resistant landscaping. In that article I noted how I was able to lower my family’s monthly water bill from around $450 to less than $85 per month!

As we’ve seen over the past few months, demand for synthetic lawns has increased dramatically. Another solution to this drought is to plant cacti, succulents and euphorbia. These plants are perfect for areas with little to no water (and they look nice too).

We’re happy to announce our partnership with Desert Theater Nursery in Escondido. They have one of the largest and most exotic selection of drought-resistant plants in all of San Diego county.

If you’ve been contemplating an outdoor remodeling project you may want to incorporate landscaping that’ll help you save money. Talk to San Diego’s Greyhound General today to learn more about your landscape remodeling options. You can check out one of our latest projects here.

To schedule your free consultation just leave us a note here or call 800-568-7108.

Keeping Your Yard & Home Safe From Fires

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With the recent wildfires that broke out in the San Diego area over the past couple weeks now is an opportune time to discuss how you can protect your yard and home from fires. You may never be able to fully protect your home, but taking these simple steps in the Fall & Spring will keep your home safer:

1) Get rid of all dead leaves: clean out your gutters at least twice a year (Fall & Spring) and make sure you rake up all dead grass and leaves. Dead, dry leaves can fuel a fire so make sure they’re picked up off the ground (or in a compost bin).

2) Trim trees and shrubs: it’s wise to create a “fire free” zone at least 30 feet from your home. Make sure all trees are trimmed, especially those near your home and chimney. Also, try to keep bushes and shrubs away from trees to a potential fire from jumping easily.

3) Use backyard fires cautiously: this is a no-brainer, but worth mentioning. You should use fire pits the are on top of non-flammable surfaces, such as stone patios. Make sure you adequately put out your fires and dispose of ashes in a metal container.

4) Plant fire-resistant plants: not only are agave and other succulents great drought-resistant plants to landscape your yard with, they’re also fire-resistant because of all the water stored inside them. Stay away from plants or trees that contain resin or sap as these are typically very flammable.

5) Be wary of where you store fuels: It’s wise to store all propane, gas, pain and solvents in proper containers at least 30 feet from your home. A dry, cool shed works best for storing fuel so take inventory of where you’re storing these items (including saturated rags).

By taking these five steps your yard will more sufficiently protect your home from a potential fire. It goes without saying that keeping matches and lighters away from children will help keep you safe as well. Keeping a fire extinguisher or two in your home and/or garage is also a good idea.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can improve your home’s landscaping, as well as protect it from droughts and fires, talk to Greyhound General today. Just leave us a note here or call 800-568-7108.

Drought-Resistant Landscaping

Right now in San Diego county we are being “asked” to conserve 20% of our water usage. In many areas of the state it is mandatory, and without a “miracle” we will be next.

In February, the federal government cut off all the water to Central Valley farmers being supplied water from the delta. We are somewhat protected down here because most of our water comes from the Colorado river, BUT the snow-pack in Colorado and Wyoming is way below normal so we will soon be in trouble down here as well. Regardless, our water rates are going up 20-30%.

In Valley Center, our water bill was around $450 per month the first year we moved up here, and that was to water two small lawns and some trees. Now, with the cactus and no lawn, our water bills last summer were less than $85 per month. As you can see, our cactus project will pay for itself in 3-5 years. Once established (4-6 months), you don’t have to water any of the cactus in the video at all. They survive on the meager rainfall we get and morning fog.

If you’d like to save money on your water bill by using less water talk to Greyhound General today. Just fill out the form here or call 800-568-7108.