Winter Watering Guide for Phoenix Homeowners

Many Phoenix homeowners make the mistake of turning their irrigation off completely in winter or leaving it on summer settings. Both can be disastrous. Here is how to find the perfect balance.

While our winters are mild compared to the rest of the country, the cooler temperatures and shorter days significantly reduce your plants' water needs. Over-watering in winter can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, while under-watering can leave plants vulnerable to frost damage.

1. The "Low and Slow" Approach

In winter, evaporation rates drop dramatically. This means you can water less frequently, but you should still water deeply.

• Grass (Winter Rye): Water every 3-7 days depending on rainfall.
• Dormant Bermuda: Water once every 2-3 weeks to keep the root system alive.
• Desert Trees: Deep water every 14-30 days.
• Citrus: Water every 14-21 days.

2. Adjust Your Timer

If you haven't touched your irrigation controller since September, you are likely wasting thousands of gallons of water. Most modern controllers have a "Seasonal Adjust" feature that allows you to reduce all zones by a percentage (e.g., set to 30-50% for winter).

Better yet, upgrade to a Wi-Fi Smart Controller that automatically adjusts for cooler weather and skips watering when it rains.

3. Frost Protection Watering

It sounds counter-intuitive, but a well-hydrated plant handles frost better than a dry one. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.

If a freeze warning is issued, run your drip system for a cycle the afternoon before the freeze. This insulates the roots. However, never run sprinklers during a freeze, as the ice can break branches and damage equipment.

4. Winter Maintenance Checklist

Winter is the perfect time for system maintenance since water demand is low.

• Check for Leaks: Walk your property and look for wet spots.
• Insulate Pipes: Ensure your backflow preventer and above-ground pipes are insulated to prevent freezing.
• Clean Filters: Flush drip filters to remove sediment buildup.

Need help winterizing? Our technicians can inspect your system to ensure it's ready for the cold.

Conclusion

Adjusting your watering habits for winter not only saves water and money but also promotes deeper, healthier root systems for your landscape.