Your Irrigation Timer Should Change with the Seasons

Is Your Irrigation Timer Set for the Season?

Most homeowners don't think twice about their irrigation timer after it's installed. Once it's programmed, it often runs on the same schedule month after month—even as Arizona's weather changes dramatically throughout the year.

The problem is that plants don't need the same amount of water in July as they do in January. Leaving your irrigation timer on one schedule year-round can waste water, increase your utility bill, and even damage your landscape.

A few seasonal adjustments can help keep your landscape healthy while conserving water.

Watering Needs Change Throughout the Year

Rather than programming your irrigation timer once and forgetting about it, think of your schedule as something that should change with Arizona's seasons.

Spring

As temperatures begin to warm and plants become more active, their water needs gradually increase. This is a good time to review your irrigation schedule and increase watering as conditions require.

Summer

Summer typically brings our highest water demand. Long days, intense heat, and dry conditions cause your landscape to lose water quickly.

Your irrigation system needs to provide enough water to keep your landscape healthy without creating unnecessary runoff or standing water.

Monsoon Season

Monsoon season is different because Mother Nature may do some of the watering for you.

After a good soaking rain, don't let your irrigation system automatically water as though nothing happened. Depending on how much rain your yard received, you may be able to reduce your schedule or skip the next watering.

Remember, not every monsoon storm delivers the same amount of rain. What matters is how much moisture actually reaches the soil.

Winter

When temperatures cool and days become shorter, most established landscapes need considerably less water.

This is when forgetting about your timer can become expensive. A schedule designed for summer conditions may apply much more water than your landscape needs during winter.

Think of your irrigation controller like your home's thermostat.

You wouldn't leave your thermostat on the same setting in January and July. Your irrigation timer shouldn't stay the same either.

Adjust it as the seasons change so your landscape gets the water it needs—without wasting water.

Your irrigation timer shouldn't be a “set it and forget it” device.

Take a few minutes as the seasons change to review your settings. A small adjustment can help conserve water, control your water bill, and keep your landscape healthy throughout the year.

Not sure whether your irrigation timer is set correctly for the season?

Esteban Land Design can evaluate your irrigation system and help make sure your landscape is getting the water it needs—without wasting what it doesn't.

Looking Ahead

Your irrigation timer may be set for the season—but is everything in your yard supposed to be watered the same way?

Next, we'll look at why lawns, trees, shrubs, and desert plants have different watering needs—and why one schedule may not work for everything.