Vegetation is healthier when watered deeply and less frequently.
Follow these simple tips to save money, conserve water and maintain a thriving yard.
How Often Should I Water?
Spring
(Mar – Apr)
3
Up to 3 days per week
Summer
(May – Aug)
4
Up to 4 days per week
Fall
(Sep – Oct)
3
Up to 3 days per week
Winter*
(Nov – Feb)
1
Up to 1 day per week
*Most plants don’t need irrigation in December and January. Hand water only if needed
How Long Should I Water Lawn?
The Cycle & Soak Method method allows water to soak deep into soil, creating healthy roots and preventing runoff.
Run 3 cycles per watering day, 1 hour between cycles. Water 5 minutes for a fixed spray or 10 minutes for a rotating spray. Monitor and adjust as needed.
How Long Should I Water Plants?
High-Flow Emitters
20–40 minutes
Low-Flow Emitters
30–90 minutes
Variable Schedules
Every landscape and irrigation system is different, and you may need to adjust the schedule. Variables such as soil, weather, flow rate, and plant type will affect irrigation needs. If a plant appears stressed, check around the root zone to determine if the soil is dry or waterlogged – both conditions can cause plants to exhibit a wilted appearance.
Irrigation Tips
- Avoid watering from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer months
- Adjust sprinkler heads so they don’t spray walls, driveways or sidewalks
- Trim around sprinkler heads so lawn doesn’t block the water spray
- Use the most efficient types of nozzles and irrigation clocks
- Check the sprinkler system weekly and immediately replace broken or missing parts
- Overwatering and underwatering can cause brown spots; be sure to check water pressure and sprinkler coverage and adjust as needed
The Utah State University Cooperative Extension has published a variety of materials to promote water-efficient landscapes. Following are a few publications that may be of interest:
- Are You Killing Your Lawn with Kindness
- Basic Turf Grass Care
- Desert Plants of Utah
- Efficient Irrigation of Trees & Shrubs
- Garden Water-use in Utah
- Water-wise Landscaping
- Soil Preparation & Management
- Living with Landscape Irrigation Restrictions
- Renovating your Lawn after a Long, Hot Summer
- Selecting and Planting Trees & Shrubs
