The Washington County Water Conservancy District has provided a comprehensive watering guide to help maintain healthy landscapes through seasonal adjustments. According to the district, grass, plants, trees, and shrubs are healthier when they are watered deeply and infrequently.
Monthly Watering Frequency Recommendations
The guide suggests following specific weekly watering frequencies throughout the year for best results.
The recommended watering frequency varies by month. From November through February, irrigation is suggested up to one day per week, though the district notes that irrigation is typically not needed in December or January and recommends hand watering as needed.
During March and April, watering should occur up to three days a week. In May, the frequency can increase to up to four days a week. From May through August, the schedule remains up to four days a week, while September and October require up to three days per week.
Effective Lawn Sprinkler Methods
For lawns, the district recommends the cycle and soak method of sprinkler watering. This process involves running three cycles per watering day with one hour between each cycle. The duration should be five minutes for a fixed spray or 10 minutes for a rotating spray, with monitoring and adjustments made as necessary.
Drip Irrigation Duration Guidelines
For drip irrigation, the guide suggests a low and slow approach to target root systems using low pressure over longer periods. The duration depends on the emitter's flow rate:
High-flow emitters, which deliver up to 20 gallons per hour in a steady, light stream, require 20 to 40 minutes of watering.
Low-flow emitters, which deliver bead-like droplets at 1 to 4 gallons per hour, require 30 to 90 minutes of watering.
Adjusting for Environmental Variables
The district notes that irrigation needs may change based on variables such as soil, weather, flow rate, and plant type. Because every landscape is different, schedules should be adjusted accordingly. If a plant appears stressed, checking the root zone for dry or waterlogged soil is recommended.
Summer Watering Best Practices
Best practices for irrigation include avoiding watering between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. during summer months and ensuring sprinkler heads do not spray sidewalks, driveways, or walls. Additionally, homeowners should trim around sprinkler heads to prevent lawn blockage, use efficient nozzles and clocks, and check the system weekly to replace broken or missing parts.
