Watering Your Xeriscape
Natural precipitation varies from year to year. This April we have seen just 0.44” of rain compared to the average precipitation of 2.1” for the month of April. Luckily, temperatures have been cool enough that there is minimal moisture loss below the mulch in your garden’s soil.
When to turn on irrigation?
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We typically turn on clients irrigation in the beginning of May.
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Older Xeriscapes can wait until late May.
How Frequently?
Irrigation requirements depend on the age of your plants in the xeriscape. Trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses take some time to grow their roots into their new home. In addition, soil texture and qualities vary, impacting your soils water holding capacity and irrigation needs. Given these variables, the suggestions below are estimates based our cumulative xeriscaping experience in our region.
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Same season install (less than 9 months old) – drip irrigate for 30 minutes 7 days a week per zone
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Young Xeriscapes (1-2 years old) – drip irrigate for 30 minutes 5-6 days a week per zone
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Established Xeriscapes (3-7 years old) – drip irrigate for 30 minutes 3-4 days a week per zone
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Mature Xeriscapes (8 + years old) – drip irrigate for 30 minutes 1-2 times per week per zone. Depending on your plant selection, you may be able to use less water.
If you are adding or replacing plants into an established or older xeriscape, plan on watering the young plants by hand. Established xeriscapes actually suffer from too much water.
Investing in a smart timer that keeps track of weather and soil moisture is a great way to save even more water in your xeriscape! Utah Water Savers Rebate Program for smart controllers can be found here: https://www.utahwatersavers.com/smartcontrollerprogram