Different plants need different amounts of water. A well-designed, properly installed automatic irrigation system will be divided into zones according to the type of plant.  Dividing the yard into separate zones allows for the grass to be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Instead of setting the whole system to go on for “x” number of minutes per zone, consider the type of plant in each zone and increase or decrease watering time to suit that particular plant.

Instead of watering for one long, continuous session, try splitting the watering time into shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. This will let the water soak in while minimizing runoff.  Too much, too often is what causes the most water waste.

Water between 4 and 8 a.m.  These are times when the sun is low, there is no breeze, and the temperature is cooler.  Midday watering is less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during the day. Watering in the evening isn’t a good idea either because plants and lawns can remain wet overnight, promoting fungus to grow.  By watering in the morning, you give everything a chance to dry out during the day.