CSU Shrub Water Needs Study

Project Title: Water Requirements of Landscape Shrubs and Turfgrass

Researchers: Dr. James E. Klett and David Staats, Colorado State University, Department of Landscape Horticulture, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523

Significance to Industry:
The State of Colorado is beginning to feel the pressures of population growth. The demand for responsible water management is becoming extremely important. To date there is no quantifiable information with regard to the water use of plants commonly used in Colorado's landscapes. The green industry must use empirical data and guess work to guide their irrigation practices, landscape design and water management policies. This project mirrors a study on annuals conducted by Colorado State University which resulted in useful data and proof that annuals could survive and remain attractive using only 50% ET. The Green Industry of Colorado has worked hard to develop Best Management Practices (BMP's) for all segments of the Green Industry. The BMP's are and continue to be a work in progress. Research data from this project will help define and give credence to water management BMP's.