Irrigation Advice

Irrigation DO’s and DON’Ts:

• DO irrigate during early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and there is less sun to evaporate the water and less wind to interfere with the spray pattern.
• DO irrigate for short cycles to prevent water pooling and run-off.
• DO keep grass height at 3” or taller to promote root growth and increase drought tolerance.
• DO trim bushes to prevent interference with the spray pattern.
• DON’T water things that don’t grow! Reposition or replace spray heads that water driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Landscape planning:

• Separate irrigation zones based on landscaping needs (turf areas and plant beds should be in different irrigation zones)
• Use drought-tolerant landscaping where possible
• Mulch plant beds 2 – 3” deep to help prevent evaporation and retain moisture
• Install a rain sensor
• Do not mix sprays, rotors and rotary nozzles in the same zone due to different precipitation rates
• Use pressure regulating sprays for optimum pressure and to prevent misting at the nozzle
• Match precipitation in each zone by changing nozzles (a 360° head should apply 4x as much water as a 90° head)