Sprinkler irrigation tips
Sprinklers are a perfect match for your grass. That's because they water short and sweet! They work in gallons per minute, and they don't mess around.
How to water grass
For lawns watered by sprinklers, water no more than 12 minutes total. On your assigned watering days, water in three 4-minute cycles, with about an hour between each cycle if using pop-up sprinklers. Water for about 12 minutes each watering cycle if using rotating sprinkler heads.
When to water
Spring: 5, 6, and 7 a.m., for four minutes each time. Turn off your sprinklers on those rainy spring days!
Summer: Water overnight or around dawn to minimize the amount of water lost to evaporation. For example. 5, 6, and 7 a.m. And remember to add watering days gradually as temperatures get hotter. Start with three to four days in May, then increase watering days only as needed in June, July and August. Never water on Sunday!
Fall: As early fall days are still quite warm, continue watering overnight or around dawn. For example, four minutes apiece at 5, 6, and 7 a.m.
Winter: Water during the warmer part of the day to prevent freeze and avoid afternoon winds. For example, 8, 9 and 10 a.m.
Regardless of the season, never water on Sundays!
Drip it, Don't drown it!
Plants and trees have different watering needs than grass. Learn how often and how long to water with these simple drip irrigation tips.Sprinkler types
The amount of water needed to maintain your lawn depends on the sprinkler system you have.
Pop-up (most common)
- 3- to 4-inch pop-ups
- Sprays water over large areas
- Run 3 cycles, 4 minutes each
Stream rotor (less common)
- Applies water more slowly.
- Sprays water over smaller areas
- Run 3 cycles, 8 minutes each
More tips!
- Replace your irrigation clock with a smart clock; automatically adjust your watering schedule, and get a rebate coupon!
- Monitor how many minutes you can run your sprinklers before water starts to run off your property. Stop the run cycle at that point and allow the water to fully absorb before running another cycle.
- Give warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, one-third less water.
- Avoid landscape watering on windy or rainy days.
- Water grass on a separate schedule from plants, trees, and shrubs.
- Check your irrigation system weekly in the summer and monthly in the winter for any needed repairs.
- Check your sprinkler system for malfunctions after every mow.
- Readjust sprinkler heads for better direction or install variable arc nozzles.