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The upcoming two weeks are looking hot and dry, even getting back into triple digits. But with higher humidity and shorter daylength, water needs of plants are not as high as they were in mid-summer. Remember that September 30 is the ‘official’ end of the Monsoon Season, so there’s still hope for more summer rains.
September is when activities BEGIN for seeding winter rye grass. Now more than ever, saving every drop we can is critical as we experience extraordinary drought conditions as well as climate pressures that have triggered water shortages to Arizona's Colorado River water supplies.
We encourage all water customers to consider limiting or forgoing this practice. If areas are justifiably required, we suggest not overseeding until October - a much better time to do so. Find details in Bonus Tips below.
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Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years).
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Warm season grass (Bermuda) - once every 4-5 days (keep at every 3 days if temps are 110 or above)
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Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - 4x per day for 1st 7 to 10 days to germinate (October is a better time to seed)
- Desert Adapted - once every 18 days
- High Water Use - once every 9 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 21 days
- High Water Use - once every 10 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 16 days
- High Water Use - once every 7 days
Cacti and succulent watering
Annuals & vegetable watering
Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need to be modified for your specific site conditions.
Landscape Watering by the Numbers: Don’t forget our online, interactive watering guide. If you input some simple information about your landscape irrigation system, it will tell you how long to water to give your plants just the right amount with these frequencies.
Winter Ryegrass: To Overseed or not to Overseed?
Yes! It’s too early and it’s way too hot. But if you’re thinking about it, let us help with our Top Ten Reasons Not to Plant a Winter Lawn. These might just be the excuses (or ahh... justifications) you were looking for.
Gasp! Are you going to plant winter grass anyway? Learn more in this AMWUA blog from turfgrass researchers at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa County Cooperative Extension: Plant Winter Grass Correctly.
You can save 8,000 gallons a year for every 1,000 sq. ft. of grass by not overseeding.
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Xeriscape: Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert
This online resource guide has a new and improved format and helps with planning, design, installation, and even maintenance details for Arizona water-wise landscapes. It’s perfect with fall planting around the corner!
The resources section provides specifics on how to hire professional services, what local landscape booklets to read, and it lists the best local gardens to visit for ideas.
Don't miss the photo gallery where you'll find lots of landscape images for inspiration.
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Calendar of Events features virtual landscape workshops being offered with topics on water harvesting, irrigation troubleshooting, and landscape plant selection.
Landscape Watering Guide helps you determine how much and how often to water to keep plants healthy & beautiful in our AZ desert.
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How Long Should You Run Your Irrigation?
Each time you water, be sure to water deeply. About 1 foot for groundcovers, 2 feet for shrubs and 3 feet for trees. How long is that? See our landscape watering guide for a quick and easy way to determine your run times.
For example, a 10-foot diameter tree would need about 59 gallons each time you water (chart is located on page 9 of the book). If you have three 2-gallon per hour emitters on that tree, your run time would be 10 hours! Yikes! That’s OK if your clock allows, but you can drop your run time by adding emitters or replacing your three 2 gallon per hour emitters with 4 gallon per hour emitters (3x4=12 gallons per hour, 59/12 = a 5-hour run time). It’s just a little math!
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Quick Tips
- We are looking for your input on Mesa's Climate Action Plan. Stay informed about upcoming in-person community workshops, virtual meetings, or simply engage on our Footprint for the Future website.
- Were you on vacation when we sent your August Watering Reminder? Find info on rainwater harvesting and our on-demand recorded classes.
- Monsoon rains brought great moisture for our plants but also brought:
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Weeds: Safest removal method is to hand pull or use a hoe. Check with your local nursery for friendlier herbicides that contain strong vinegar or clove oil. Be cautious of products that claim to last a year or more. They persist in our soils and will impact your landscape plants. Never use anything toxic like Clorox or salt that will contaminate or pollute our soils or water!
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Mosquitos: Walk your property and remove any standing water. Protect yourself from bites with clothing or repellant when outdoors. Learn more at Maricopa County's Fight the Bite! For ponds or water features, mosquito-eating fish (Gambusia) are made available free of charge. To confirm availability and to schedule a pick-up during office hours (Monday through Friday - 8:00 am to 5 pm) call Vector Control at (602) 506-0700.
 Queen's Wreath vines will soon be providing their stunning display of bright pink clusters. Learn more about this plant and consider including in your landscape for late summer/fall color.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Find City updates, data, and helpful relief programs and resource links. City departments are following established protocol and using appropriate precautionary measures in providing services to our residents and businesses.
**Reduce your landscape water use 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 website or request a free copy of the booklet.
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