Maintaining a Healthy Garden Without Extra Stress

As property management specialists in Mount Lawley, we know how much value a well-kept garden adds to a rental property. Taking care of your garden not only avoids complications at the end of your lease but also helps you meet your responsibilities as a tenant. A neat, healthy outdoor space looks inviting, keeps your property safe, and makes it more enjoyable to live in.

One of the most important parts of garden care is ensuring your reticulation system is working properly and that you’re following Perth’s watering rules.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through garden maintenance, checking your sprinkler system, and using the Water Corporation’s website to stay on top of your watering days.

1. Why Garden Care Matters

When you sign a lease, part of your responsibility is to maintain the garden in the same condition as when you moved in (if applicable of course). This includes:

• Regular mowing and edging of lawns
• Pruning shrubs, bushes, and trees
• Removing weeds from garden beds, paths, and driveways
• Keeping the reticulation system in working order

Neglecting these areas can result in:

• Dead lawns and plants
• Higher water bills caused by leaks
• Extra costs for repairs or restoration at the end of your lease

2. Understanding Your Reticulation System

Reticulation systems are made to water your lawn and garden quickly and easily, which saves you time and keeps your plants healthy. These systems typically work with a timer and a network of sprinkler heads.

Your responsibilities include:

• Setting the timer correctly
• Making sure sprinkler heads are functioning and are in the right place.
• (sprinkler heads are a tenant’s responsibility to care for and replace if damaged)
• Preventing leaks and avoiding over-watering

If the property does not have a reticulation system, it is your responsibility to hand-water the lawns and gardens to ensure they remain in the same condition as when you moved in.  

3. Checking Your Reticulation System

A quick monthly inspection can save you time and money later.

• Run a manual test: Switch to manual mode and let the system run for a few minutes in each zone.
• Inspect sprinkler heads: Look for uneven spray, pooling water, dry patches, or damaged heads.
• Check water pressure: Low pressure in one area could mean a leak or blockage.
• Clear blockages: Remove dirt or debris from nozzles with a toothpick or small brush.
• Listen for leaks: Bubbling or hissing sounds can signal loose fittings or leaks.

If you find any broken or leaking sprinkler heads, notify your property manager.

4. Staying Compliant with Watering Days

In Western Australia, watering days are regulated to conserve water. Using your sprinklers outside your assigned days can lead to fines.

To check your watering days:

1. Visit the Water Corporation website. 
2. Use the watering days tool by entering your street address.
3. Take note of your allocated days and times.

Remember, automatic systems must be programmed to run only during approved times. 

5. Tips for Smarter Watering

• Water early: Morning watering reduces evaporation and helps plants absorb moisture.
• Adjust seasonally: Reduce watering during cooler months.
• Group plants by need: Keep water-loving plants together and separate from those that prefer drier soil.
• Mulch garden beds: Mulch helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds.

6. Common Issues and Quick Fixes

• Brown spots on the lawn: Often caused by clogged or misaligned sprinkler heads.
• High water bills: Usually the result of leaks in the system.
• Wilted plants after watering: Could mean uneven coverage, check spray patterns.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your garden and reticulation system is part of being a responsible tenant and doesn’t have to be difficult. By checking your sprinklers regularly, following the set watering days, and letting your landlord/ property manager know about any issues early, you can keep your garden looking great without extra costs or risking your lease.

At D Residential Group, we’re proud to be one of Perth’s leading boutique property management agencies. We’re here to help you keep your home and garden at their best.