As we head into the fall and the days get progressively shorter, most lawn sprinklers need to run no more than 30 minutes for the entire week, depending upon the output of your sprinklers. As a general rule, you can reduce your watering times by 10% every two weeks. To develop a custom watering schedule for any portion of your landscape, click on the landscape water use calculator. Also, check to see if your irrigation controller’s battery still has power. Most controller batteries will need to be replaced once a year.
Fall is also a great time for tuning up your irrigation system. Turn on each irrigation valve of your sprinkler system for a few minutes and walk around. Make sure that the sprinklers are not clogged or obstructed, and if you have lawn areas, it is important that the spray from each sprinkler reach the adjacent heads. If you see heavy misting, this is an indication that you likely have high pressure and should check to see if you have a pressure regulator, and if so, if it is still working. Most pressure regulators have a lifespan of 20 years.
The next few months are also a great time for planting watersmart plants, as the shorter and cooler days allow new plants to start establishing themselves before our rainy season begins. While watersmart plants are available at many nurseries, this fall, the Home Depot is having a number of Water Smart Plant Fairs. Click on Water Smart Plant Fair to find the nearest participating location near your home,
Water Smart Rebates are available: the District offers rebates for a variety of items including smart irrigation controllers, which automatically adjust your watering times every day, for rotating sprinkler nozzles, and to replace existing irrigated grass lawns with watersmart plants. To learn more details about these programs, click here.
Smart irrigation controllers: $140 rebate for most residential landscapes
Rotating Sprinkler Nozzles: $4/nozzle, minimum of 15