Water is life for any landscape. But too much water can drown your plants. Too little, and they dry out fast. That’s why proper irrigation is key.
If you’re managing lawns, gardens, or outdoor spaces—especially in a rental or commercial property—you need a smart system. Whether you run a landscaping business like Garcia Landscaping or simply want to manage your property better, this guide will help.
We’ll break down easy, practical tips for better irrigation. No tech talk. Just straight-forward advice anyone can follow.
1. Understand Your Soil and Plant Needs
Not all soil is the same. Clay holds water longer. Sandy soil drains fast. Loamy soil is usually just right.
Before you set up or adjust an irrigation system, take a look at your soil. You can even get a basic soil test done—it’s cheap and helpful.
Also, different plants need different amounts of water. Grass may need regular watering, but native plants and shrubs might need less. Overwatering plants that don’t need it wastes water and weakens roots.
Tip: Group similar plants together so they can get the same type of care. This makes irrigation easier and more efficient.
2. Choose the Right Irrigation System
There are several ways to water a yard. The right system depends on what kind of property you have and what you want to grow.
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Sprinklers work well for lawns.
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Drip irrigation is great for garden beds and shrubs.
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Soaker hoses are simple and good for small areas.
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Manual watering can work for small, low-maintenance spaces.
For rentals or commercial spaces, automatic systems save time. You can set a schedule and avoid forgetting.
If you manage several properties, investing in smart irrigation tools can help you monitor everything from your phone.
3. Water Early in the Morning
The best time to water is early morning—between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Why?
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Less evaporation: The sun isn’t too strong yet.
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Less wind: Water hits the soil, not the sidewalk.
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Healthier grass: Wet leaves dry faster, reducing mold.
Avoid watering in the middle of the day or at night. Midday watering wastes water. Night watering can lead to fungus and root rot.
Pro Tip: If you use a timer, set it for early morning. It’s a simple fix with big results.
4. Adjust Seasonally
What works in spring won’t work the same in summer or fall.
In spring, plants are waking up. Watering can be light. In summer, the heat dries things out faster, so your system should run more often. In fall, things slow down again.
Also, consider rain. If it rained yesterday, skip the watering today. Many smart irrigation systems have rain sensors built in. They stop watering when nature already did the job.
Keep in mind: Overwatering can be just as harmful as not watering at all. Adjust with the season.
5. Keep Your System in Good Shape
Irrigation systems need check-ups—just like cars or HVAC systems.
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Check for broken heads or leaks.
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Make sure sprinklers aren’t hitting sidewalks or driveways.
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Clean filters in drip systems.
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Watch out for dry or soggy spots—signs of a problem.
Do a quick walk-around once a month. Look, listen, and make small changes. It can save you a lot of time and money.
If you’re using Garcia Irrigation services (or managing your own system), set reminders to check things regularly.
6. Don’t Water Just Because It’s Hot
Hot days don’t always mean your plants need more water. Check the soil before turning on the sprinkler.
Stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water. If it’s still damp, wait another day.
Too much water can:
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Drown roots
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Cause fungus
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Waste money
Smart irrigation isn’t about watering more. It’s about watering better.
7. Use Mulch Around Plants
Mulch is your secret weapon in irrigation management.
A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around plants:
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Holds moisture
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Keeps soil cool
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Reduces weed growth
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Helps reduce how often you need to water
Use mulch in flower beds, around trees, or even in vegetable gardens. Organic mulch (like bark or wood chips) is best because it breaks down naturally.
It’s cheap, easy, and works like magic.
8. Upgrade to Smart Irrigation (If You Can)
Smart irrigation systems may cost more at first, but they’re worth it. These systems connect to your phone and adjust watering based on:
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Weather forecasts
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Soil moisture levels
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Time of day
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Type of plant
Some even turn off automatically during rain.
If you manage large rental or commercial spaces, this can save water, lower your bills, and make your tenants happy. Less hassle, fewer complaints.
Brands like Rachio, Orbit B-hyve, and Rain Bird offer great smart systems for both home and business use.
9. Educate Your Tenants or Team
If you’re managing rentals, talk to your tenants. If your staff handles the landscaping, make sure they know the basics.
A few things to remind them:
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Don’t leave hoses running
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Don’t water after a heavy rain
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Report leaks or dry spots quickly
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Don’t tamper with the system
Even small mistakes can lead to high water bills or plant damage.
Good communication saves everyone trouble.
10. Track Your Water Use
Keep an eye on your water bill. If it suddenly jumps, you may have:
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A leak
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A timer set wrong
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Overwatering
Some cities offer rebates for smart irrigation systems or water-saving tools. Check your local government website.
Tracking your water use also helps you plan better. You can spot trends and make smarter choices season by season.
Conclusion
Effective irrigation isn’t about watering every day. It’s about watering the right way.
Whether you’re managing a rental home, a business property, or multiple landscapes like Garcia Landscaping does in Kingston, Ontario, smart irrigation saves time, money, and water.
Take a little time to understand your system. Adjust when needed. Keep an eye out for issues. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from a pro.
Your plants—and your wallet—will thank you.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time to water my lawn?
Early morning, between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., is best. It reduces evaporation and prevents disease.
Q2: How often should I check my irrigation system?
Do a quick check once a month. Look for broken heads, leaks, and dry spots.
Q3: Are smart irrigation systems worth it?
Yes. They save water, adjust to weather, and reduce the chance of overwatering. They’re especially helpful for large properties.
Q4: Can I water less if I use mulch?
Yes. Mulch helps soil stay moist longer, so you can water less often and still keep plants healthy.
Q5: What’s the biggest mistake in irrigation management?
Overwatering. It wastes water and harms plants. Always check the soil before watering.