Landscaping

1. #64

   Choose the right Arizona-friendly plants and watch them thrive in our desert environment.

2. #69

   Consider attending a landscape class hosted by a water provider. Most workshops occur in the spring and fall.

3. #94

   Read the Landscape Watering by the Numbers guidebook to help you determine how long and how much to water.

4. #95

   Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.

5. #96

   Set a kitchen timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons per minute.

6. #97

   Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.

7. #98

   Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.

8. #99

   Timing is everything when it comes to irrigation. Learn how to set your controller properly.

9. #100

   Look for WaterSense® labeled irrigation controllers.

10. #101

    Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case of malfunctions or rain.

11. #102

    Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.

12. #103

    If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

13. #104

    Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

14. #105

    Signs of overwatering: Leaves turn lighter shades of green or yellow, young shoots wilt, and sometimes algae or fungi grow.

15. #106

    Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

16. #107

    Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.

17. #108

    Water dry spot by hand instead of running the whole irrigation system longer.

18. #109

    Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

19. #110

    Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots, where it’s needed.

20. #111

    Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

21. #112

    Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before hitting the ground.

22. #113

    Use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater from gutters for watering gardens and landscapes.

23. #114

    For hanging baskets, planters and pots, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants a cool drink of water without overflow.

24. #115

    Remember to periodically check your sprinkler system valves for leaks, and to keep sprinkler heads in good shape.

25. #116

    Spring is a great time to give your irrigation system a checkup to ensure it’s working efficiently.

26. #117

    Pruning properly can help your plants use water more efficiently.