Wally's Water Wisdom - Fall Into Water-wise Season

Hello friends! As the new school year continues and the weather slowly begins to change, we bid farewell to the summer season and welcome the new fall season! Come with me as we explore why fall is a great season for both nature and our water-wise friends. 

What marks the transition to fall?

Fall is usually the transition from hot summer days to welcoming cooler temperatures. During this transition, days may feel shorter, the leaves begin to change color, and the temperature begins to decrease. Fun fact: The Earth's axial tilt, along with its movement around the sun, is responsible for the change in seasons.

Fall weather typically starts off with warmer days and cooler nights during the month of September. During October, you may notice both cooler days and nights, as well as see leaves begin to change color. (More on that in a ‘wetlands talk’ social media video, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook! 😉) Once we reach November, we typically experience colder weather alongside possible early frost and rainfall in many parts of the world.

What happens in nature during the fall?

As days become shorter and colder, many plants change from their reproductive state to their dormant state. During this time, trees and shrubs stop producing chlorophyll and instead send a form of sugar to their roots which helps them prepare for winter. As temperature and daylight decrease, other pigments in the leaves are exposed, resulting in a change of color. Look out for this change in various other plants and flowers throughout the season!

Wally’s two favorite water-wise fall tips: 

Although water may not be used as frequently as it is during the summer, being water-wise is still just as important during the autumnal season! Let’s not forget that I am a water droplet at the end of the day. 😉 

• Monitor water usage when it comes to plant care. Instead of weekly watering, the cooler weather may allow you to transition to bi-weekly watering. You may also choose to pay close attention to hand water only dry areas instead of your entire yard!
• Tidy up surfaces with a broom instead of a hose. Throughout the season, leaves tend to fall off trees due to the reduction of auxin they receive. As a result, they may form large piles on your sidewalk or driveway throughout this time of year. While it may seem easy to clear your landscape with a hose, we recommend you sweep, not spray!

Keep in mind that there are many other ways to preserve water this fall, but it’s important to remember to always monitor your water habits year-round. 

Happy fall, friends! I be-leaf you can make a difference by being water-wise.