Landscaping goes green

As the communities of Arizona continue to expand in size and population, a growing and, at times, an often overlooked aspect is how citizens conserve water on a day-to-day basis.

There are many ways that we each can do our part and be aware of how much water we use in everyday activities, including reducing shower times, running the sink water less while we brush our teeth and wash dishes, but one Chandler resident and Ahwatukee Foothills businessman says that an issue some residents have is the lack of efficiency in their home sprinkler and drip systems.

Allen Walker introduced his "green" company two years ago and has since been saving clients money on their water bill as well as conserving the valuable resource of water to the state of Arizona.

"You take your car in for maintenance every few thousand miles, but most people don't evaluate their sprinkler system for years," said Walker, owner of Green Dreamin'.

Some of the things often overlooked he says are resetting timers as seasons change, checking for leaks in drip systems and sprinklers, and setting sprinklers to cover the proper areas of a yard.

"The average person doesn't ever take the time to look at their sprinkler system," Walker said. "When a system is balanced there is a world of difference in how much water is used."

Walker worked as a water irrigation supplier for four years before beginning Green Dreamin' two years ago. He said he learned about the systems and saw the need for a company that does lawn consulting in a community like Ahwatukee Foothills.

"It's hard to find someone (in Ahwatukee Foothills) to get their lawns looking better and run more efficiently," he said. "Some people are wasting water they don't need because they aren't thinking about it."

In addition to helping residents conserve water, Green Dreamin' also does landscape work, including repairing and installing lighting systems, all under the umbrella of "going green."

"I only like to use organic products: compost and lawn fertilizers for example," Walker said. "I also try to stay away from chemicals."

Green Dreamin' may be small in terms of employees, Walker is the owner and sole employee, but he is making a big impact.

"Arizona is lacking as far as a state in getting in gear in water conservation," Walker said.

To find out more about Green Dreamin', visit www.GreenDreamin.com or call (480) 862-4647.