5 Summer Irrigation Tips

By: Rosalie Merriner

Northern Nevada summers are anything but moderate. Temperatures above 90 degrees are common from mid-May through late September. These extreme conditions can create challenges for lawns and landscapes alike. Plants—especially those not well adapted to the environment—can struggle during the intense summer heat. Fortunately, there are simple irrigation tips and tricks that can help protect your landscape and keep it thriving all season long.

1. Check for Leaks and Broken Sprinklers

The first thing to do when preparing your irrigation system for summer is check for leaks or broken sprinklers. During the winter months, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause damage to irrigation systems. Identifying and repairing leaks early can save both your plants and your water bill.

Some common signs of a leak include:

• Soggy spots in the lawn

• Uneven lawn color

• Higher-than-normal water bills

The sooner leaks are repaired, the better your system will perform throughout the summer.

2. Adjust Your Irrigation Schedule for the Season

Once any leaks are repaired, the next step is adjusting your irrigation schedule. In the spring, temperatures are generally cooler and humidity levels are slightly higher, which slows evaporation. During the summer, however, temperatures rise dramatically and humidity levels drop, causing water to evaporate much more quickly.

As you transition from spring to summer, your plants will need more water to handle the heat. Most irrigation systems include seasonal adjustment controls that make this process simple.

Here is a general guideline for seasonal irrigation settings:

• Spring: Set controls to 60–70% capacity

• Summer: Set controls to 100% capacity

• Fall: Set controls to 50–60% capacity

• Winter: Winterize the system by shutting it off and draining the pipes

Making seasonal adjustments helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering.

3. Water Early in the Morning

When you water is just as important as how much you water. Watering early in the morning helps the soil retain as much moisture as possible. The ideal watering window is between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.Watering during the hottest part of the day is less effective because high evaporation rates prevent water from fully soaking into the soil. Using an irrigation timer makes it easy to maintain a consistent watering schedule with little effort.

4. Mulch Helps Retain Moisture

Moisture retention can make or break the success of your landscape during the summer months. If you have plants that require a lot of water, adding mulch around them can help the soil retain moisture for longer periods of time. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature by keeping it cooler during the summer and insulated during the winter. For best results, it is typically recommended to apply 2–3 inches of mulch around plants and garden beds.

5. Watch for Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

It can feel overwhelming trying to determine whether your lawn and plants are receiving too much or too little water. Learning to recognize these symptoms can help keep your landscape healthy throughout the hottest months of the year. The earlier you recognize the signs, the easier it is to make adjustments before serious damage occurs. 

Here are a few common signs to watch for:

Overwatering Signs:

• Mushy grass

• Yellowing leaves

• Fungus growth

Underwatering Signs:

• Wilting plants

• Dry soil

• Brown patches in lawns

Summer can be a tough time for your landscaping, but it does not have to be. With proper watering techniques and preparation, your landscaping does not just have to survive the summer but it can thrive through the summer for years to come.