As summer temperatures climb across the Coachella Valley, your landscape can quickly become stressed by heat and evaporation. One of the simplest ways to keep plants healthy while using water efficiently is to adjust when—and how—you irrigate.
Water During the Coolest Part of the Day
The best time to water your landscape is during the early morning hours, ideally before 8 a.m. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds allow more water to soak into the soil where plant roots can use it. Watering during the heat of the day can lead to excessive evaporation, while evening watering may increase the risk of plant disease.
Check Your Irrigation System
Summer is also a great time to inspect your irrigation system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, clogged emitters, or overspray onto sidewalks and driveways. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
Look for Signs of Overwatering
Many plants suffer from too much water rather than too little. Yellowing leaves, soggy soil, fungus growth, and excessive weed growth can all be signs that your landscape is receiving more water than it needs.
Add Mulch for Extra Protection
A layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and planting beds helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cooler during extreme heat. Organic mulches such as wood chips or bark can also improve soil health as they break down over time.
Remember: Deep, Infrequent Watering Is Best
Encourage stronger root growth by watering deeply and less frequently rather than applying small amounts of water every day. Healthy roots help plants become more resilient during hot summer weather.
A few simple adjustments can help your landscape thrive while making every drop count this summer.
For rebate information and water-wise landscaping resources, be sure to check out all our resources here.
