Mid-May through October marks our summer watering season, and temperatures are on the rise – expect mid-90s through the weekend, a brief cooldown early next week, and then hotter days ahead. As we transition from spring to summer, Bermuda grass and many landscape plants may show signs of stress.
May also brings low humidity and windy conditions, which can dry out soil and plants quickly. Be sure to water deeply and thoroughly – especially ahead of breezy days. And if you're using sprinklers for your lawn, try to avoid running them during windy conditions to reduce water waste.
Stay cool and keep those plants hydrated with our recommended watering frequencies below!
Photo: Desert Ironwood in bloom.
Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years).
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- Desert Adapted - once every 17 days
- High Water Use - once every 8 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 20 days
- High Water Use - once every 10 days
- Desert Adapted - once every 14 days
- High Water Use - once every 6 days
Cacti and succulent watering
Annuals & vegetable watering
Wildflower watering
- Once every 7 days (start going to seed and may be pulled)
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.
Landscape 'Special Tips' from AZ Plant Lady
Follow along with landscape professional and book author, Noelle Johnson – also known as AZ Plant Lady – as she explains the many ways to keep your landscape water smart. Our video playlist includes:
- Trees Are Cool
- Fuss-Free Plants
- Stop Shearing Shrubs
- How to Water Your Landscape
- Plant Selection and How to Plant
- Low Water Landscapes Are Beautiful
- Landscape Watering in the Real World
- Easy Tips to Save Water in the Landscape
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The Art & Science of Landscape Watering
Plant of the Month – Palo Blanco
Palo Blanco, Mariosousa willardiana. This month’s blog highlights a perfect tree for small yards, known for its whimsical, upright form and long, narrow leaves that dance in the breeze. It's low maintenance and loved by pollinators. Learn more in this fun Water – Use It Wisely blog.
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This Test 'CAN' Help You Save Water
THIS is one of the key ways to be efficient with your lawn watering! Perform the sprinkler can test! It shows exactly how much water your system applies—so you’ll know how long to run your sprinklers each time (no more guesswork!). Find instructions here or on page 5 of Landscape Watering by the Numbers. If you get runoff when running your sprinklers, consider using 'rotating stream sprinkler heads' which apply water much more efficiently and are particularly good for slopes to reduce runoff. You can also use a cycle and soak program.
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A Little Goes a Long Way When it Comes to Grass
Visit our info page on grass: Grass may be a desired component in a well-designed Xeriscape yard. It is one of the best plants to handle foot traffic and it provides a softer surface for kids’ sports or dogs’ paws. But grass is both maintenance and water-intensive, so when planning your landscape, a little goes a long way. Learn more about caring for grass, watering properly and efficiently, artificial turf, and more.
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Keep the Splash In Your Pool
Pools & spas. Warmer temperatures mean it’s swimming pool season. We’ve got tips and info for keeping the splash in your pool. Learn about how to check for leaks, draining & backwashing, alternative pool care, and more. If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks. Another great resource is a page developed by the City of Tucson and partners, called Removing Your Pool.
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Upcoming Desert Institute of Gardening (D.I.G.) Classes
Trees Are Cool – Even During a Drought
Every desert dweller has experienced how much cooler it feels on a hot day when standing in the shade of a tree rather than in the full sun. That effect has become increasingly important as cities help people cope with higher summer temperatures. That’s why Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson, and others are focusing on tree plantings in Arizona. Learn more in this Water – Use It Wisely blog about Mesa's 'Trees Are Cool' initiative. Another favorite is this one on Why Trees Are Superheroes. If you planted a tree, make sure you record it to get it on our map! You'll also find tips on how to plant, water, and care for your trees
 **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.
-H2O-
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