Irrigation Dos & Don'ts

Do

• Water after the sun has gone down to avoid evaporation. Set sprinklers to run between 7:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M.
• Use low angle sprinklers that create drops of water to avoid evaporation losses.
• Use proper water pressure to prevent misting, which is the result of pressure being too high and can lead to evaporative losses.
• Use hydro zoning - watering needs grouped by types of landscaping, lighting, and soils.
• Adjust your watering schedule seasonally. Less in spring, fall and cooler weather.
• Use a moisture sensor to determine watering needs.
• Use an in-line filter to prevent system clogs.
• If supported, cycle the irrigation system - 4 minutes on, 4 minutes off, and repeat this cycle three times.
• Use native plants to reduce watering needs.
• Use micro-irrigation techniques, such as drip, trickle, bubblers, and / or micro-spray jets and sprinklers.
• Consider allowing your grass to go dormant during drought conditions. Established grass doesn't die during dormancy.
• Use a back flow prevention valve to avoid contaminating drinking water supplies (required in Ramsey).
• Hold onto the design layout so future projects do not lead to necessary system repairs due to accidentally digging up water lines.

Don't:

• Water too much (only need to water the root zone, which is about 5 to 8 inches deep for most common grasses).
• Over-fertilize.
• Use broken or impacted sprinklers.
• Water hardscapes like driveways, sidewalks and building walls.