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

Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three…

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

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

Pruning properly can help your plants use water more efficiently.

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

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

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

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

For hanging baskets, planters and pots, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants…

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

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

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

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

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

Look for WaterSense® labeled irrigation controllers.