Warm-Weather Watering

Our scorching hot summers can drain even the most water-smart landscape. Follow these tips to make the most of the water you apply and to help guard your landscape against heat-related stress:

Time of day

Water in early-morning hours before sunrise to lessen water lost to evaporation and daytime winds. Mid-day watering is prohibited from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 to Oct. 1.

Adjust sprinkler heads

Make sure your sprinkler heads are not spraying the sidewalk, wall or driveway. Check to make sure the sprinkler heads are not obstructed by grass or other objects. If so, you may need to switch to a taller 4-inch pop-up head.

Check your system

Once a week, check your irrigation system and immediately replace broken or missing sprinkler parts and drip emitters.

Balance coverage

Lawn sprinkler heads should provide "head-to-head" coverage. That means the spray of one sprinkler should reach the head of the adjacent sprinkler.

"Cycle and soak" grass

Set your lawn sprinklers to water in three short cycles about one hour apart. SNWA recommends watering lawns using this cycle-and-soak method of 3 times a day for 4 minutes each watering.

Use drip for plants, shrubs and trees

Develop a separate watering schedule for trees, shrubs and flower beds with drip emitters as they need less frequent, but deeper watering. Experts agree that running drip irrigation a maximum of three days a week during warmer months is much better for plants than daily watering. The length of watering time for plants on drip systems varies depending on the type of emitter, plant types and soil conditions. See the drip irrigation page for recommendations.

Upgrade your irrigation clock

Replace your irrigation system with a "smart clock" and save water and money. SNWA offers an intant rebate coupon for smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors that automatically shut off your irrigation when it rains.

Mow for best results

Each time you mow the lawn, change directions. Set your mower to the proper height to promote a healthy lawn and to reduce water use. Recommended mowing heights are 2 1/2" to 3" for Tall Fescue and 3/4" to 1 1/2" for Bermuda.