1 The most efficient time to water is between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. It is cooler and less windy, minimizing evaporation. Irrigating during this period does not lead to disease development, as once thought.

2 Irrigate thoroughly, but as infrequently as possible. Look for wilting of landscape plants to determine the need for watering. Turf will hold footprints or change to a dull grey color when it needs water.

3 On average, small shrubs need 5 gallons water/week; large shrubs need 10 gallons/week; trees need 2 gallons per inch diameter (measured at 4.5' above the ground)/week; flower beds need 5 gallons of water/10 sq. ft. (1 minute of water at medium pressure); and lawns require about 1/2-1" water per week, depending on the grass type. High-use turf areas may need more frequent irrigation. Automatic irrigation systems should be designed with separate zones for turf and plant bed areas to ensure you do not overwater.

4 Any newly installed landscape takes time to establish. New turf may need daily watering, while new trees and shrubs may need watering once or twice a week depending, on rainfall and temperatures. During hot, dry conditions plants may need more frequent watering.  Proper establishment can take several months followed by supplemental watering during periods of dry weather, regardless of the time of year.

5 If hand watering, use a water breaker on the end of your hose to deliver an even, gentle flow to the base of the plants.  Typical garden hoses deliver 5 gallons of water per minute.  Use 5-gallon buckets with small holes in the bottom, use watering bags and soaker hoses or install automatic drip systems. Apply water at root zone. Drip systems use 50% less water than sprinklers.

6 To prevent runoff, do not apply water at a rate that exceeds your soil's ability to absorb the water. Apply water over a longer period in smaller amounts.  Measure your sprinkler's output. For directions on how to determine how much water you are applying, visit:  www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/tims/

7 Make sure your automatic irrigation system has a rain sensor to turn off system when sufficient rain has fallen. Have your irrigation system evaluated annually to prevent water waste.  Don't water the sidewalk, driveway or street!

8 Decide before summer heat and dry conditions arrive whether to water your turf or let it go
dormant.  Letting grass go brown and then watering to green it up again can rob it of energy reserves.  Either water regularly or let it go into dormancy.

9 Vacations offer a concern, particularly during the summer, so have a friend or neighbor tend your plants while you are away.

10 Each plant type has a distinct rooting area (See diagram).  Thoroughly water the root zone for that particular plant type and then let it partially dry out before watering again.  Rain means you do not have to worry about watering for at least a week.

11 Plants in containers may need more frequent watering than plants in the ground.  First, make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent overly wet roots! Water when soil surface feels dry, not before. Frequency and amount of water depend on soil type, location, sunlight, temperature and type of plant.  Some plants, like Fuchsia, may require daily watering, but most containers only need a thorough watering once or twice a week.

12 Don't overwater!  Many plants that are overwatered will wilt or the leaves will turn brown.  This often leads us to water even more.  Follow the guidelines presented here.  If in doubt stick your fingers in the soil, under the mulch, and check the soil wetness.  With sufficient rain, it is not necessary to water.