The monsoons brought some much needed rains and cooler nights, both extremely helpful for plants. Most areas received at least one-half inch of rain, meaning you can skip an irrigation cycle. Use the "off", "stop", or "rain" setting on your controller to stop the watering cycle without disturbing your programs. These recommendations are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about 2 years).
Lawn watering:
Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 3-4 days
Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - grass dies out
If trees and shrubs are on the same valve:
Desert Adapted - once every 15 days
High Water Use - once every 8 days
Tree watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 17 days
High Water Use - once every 9 days
Shrub watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 13 days
High Water Use - once every 6 days
Groundcover and vine watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 12 days
High Water Use - once every 5 days
Cacti and succulent watering - once every 22 days
Annuals watering - once every 2-3 days
**Reduce your landscape watering 30 to 50 percent by adjusting your irrigation each season.**
"Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert" will help you determine how much water to apply and how long to run your system. Visit the interactive web site at http://www.wateruseitwisely.com or request a free copy of the booklet at http://www.cityofmesa.org/utilities/conservation/publications_main.asp
Bonus tip: August is one of the best times to consider converting your grass to a desert landscape. To find out why, visit http://www.cityofmesa.org/utilities/conservation/reasons2convert2xrscpe.asp
These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.
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