Water-saving irrigation strategies

Getting the most out of every drop through best management practices

As temperatures soar, extreme heat and limited rainfall stress lawns and gardens. Timely irrigation keeps landscape plants in top shape but is expensive and taps into valuable water resources. By adopting water-saving irrigation strategies and best management practices, we can make the most of every drop while maintaining beautiful and healthy landscapes. 

Water according to plant needs

Established trees and shrubs can get by with less frequent irrigation than newly established plants. Fruits and vegetables tend to have higher water needs, while native plants thrive with very little irrigation. Adjust the frequency of your irrigation practices according to plant type and age to see significant water savings.

Lawns pose a unique challenge to water conservation due to their vast size. During periods of drought, Bermudagrass and buffalograss lawns can be allowed to go dormant with no harm to the grass. Lawns will turn brown, then green up again when rains return.

Practice slow, deep irrigation

When watering lawns and gardens, prevent run-off by applying water only as quickly as it infiltrates into the soil. Irrigating slowly allows water to soak deep into the ground, which encourages deep rooting. Run irrigation long enough to wet soils six inches deep. Reduce how often you water, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Consider using drip irrigation equipment or simply lowering the water flow to sprinklers. Mulch garden beds and trees to reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture between waterings.

Reduce runoff

Runoff occurs when water is applied too heavily or too quickly, or when irrigation water falls on driveways and sidewalks. Not only is this a waste of water, but runoff contributes to pollution of natural waterways. Reduce runoff by using drip irrigation or aligning sprinkler heads to avoid watering roads, sidewalks and driveways. On slopes or heavy clay soils, try breaking water delivery into two or three short cycles, allowing water to infiltrate into the soil for about 30 minutes between cycles.

Use water-saving irrigation equipment

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method for watering planting beds and vegetable gardens. It delivers water at a low flow rate directly to the root zone, allowing for up to 90% water efficiency For automated irrigation systems, consider upgrading to a “smart” controller or installing a rain sensor, which automatically adjusts watering schedules according to landscape conditions.

Soaker hoses also apply water at the soil level, however they do not deliver water as uniformly as drip lines. Still, soaker hoses are inexpensive and can be useful in beds with closely spaced plants or for circling around young trees to irrigate during establishment.

Most of us use hose-end sprinklers to irrigate the landscape. Many types of sprinklers are available, with varying levels of efficiency. When selecting sprinklers, look for models that minimize water lost to misting and evaporation, such as rotary sprinklers. Select models that deliver water lower to the ground and in larger droplet sizes. These criteria also apply to spray heads used in automated irrigation systems. You can increase efficiency of automated systems by changing out sprinkler heads to pressure-regulating rotator heads.

You don’t have to be tech-savvy to save water in the landscape. Pay attention to small things like leaky faucets and broken sprinkler heads. Reduce irrigation frequency and water deeply to promote healthy, resilient plants.