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.