If your summer water bill makes you wince, your irrigation schedule is likely the reason. In metro Phoenix, roughly half to about 70 percent of a home’s water can go to the yard, so a smart schedule has a big payoff on comfort and cost. You want a landscape that survives the heat without wasting water or time. This guide gives you Phoenix-tested rules, practical month-by-month targets, and simple steps to set your controller with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Phoenix yards need a plan
Phoenix sits in the Sonoran Desert, and long, hot summers mean your yard’s water needs change fast from season to season. Ongoing Colorado River shortages add pressure to be efficient with every gallon, as researchers note in regional water security studies. Learn more about the drought context.
Local cities focus on education and monthly guidance instead of one-size-fits-all rules. That means the right schedule for your yard depends on plant types, soil, and the time of year.
Core watering rules that work
Water deeply and less often
Deep, infrequent watering grows deeper roots that handle heat better. Short daily runs usually create shallow roots and stress. AMWUA explains why deep, spaced-out watering is best.
Group plants by water needs
Put turf, trees, shrubs, succulents, and annuals on separate zones when possible. This lets you set the right frequency for each plant group. See how to plan simple hydrozones.
Water at the right time
Run irrigation in the early morning, about 1 to 3 hours before sunrise, and avoid roughly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during warm months. Cooler, calmer hours reduce evaporation and runoff. AMWUA’s guidance covers timing and heat protection.
Phoenix monthly frequency basics
Use these regionally accepted ranges as a starting point for established plants, then convert frequency into minutes per zone with local tools.
- Warm-season turf (Bermuda): about every 3 to 7 days in mid-summer, and up to every 3 to 10 days depending on the month and conditions. Overseeded rye has different needs.
- Trees and shrubs: desert-adapted species often every few weeks; higher water-use trees and shrubs about every 7 to 14 days in the hottest months.
- Cacti and succulents: infrequent water, often every few weeks once established. Annuals and vegetables need more frequent watering, from days to daily during germination and peak heat.
For month-by-month targets and to calculate minutes for your yard, use the region’s go-to watering guides and interactive tools. Start with AMWUA’s monthly watering page.
Build your schedule in 5 steps
1) Map your hydrozones
Walk your yard and list each valve by what it waters: turf, trees, shrubs, cacti/succulents, and annual or vegetable beds. Separate plant types where you can. This hydrozone primer is a helpful guide.
2) Set frequency first, run time second
Pick the recommended frequency for each plant group for the current month, then calculate how many minutes are needed to soak the root zone. The local tools make this simple. Use AMWUA’s watering guidance to get your minutes.
3) Use cycle and soak on sprays
If you have spray heads on slopes or compacted soil, split the total run time into 2 or 3 shorter cycles with 20 to 60 minutes of soak time between them. This helps water soak in instead of running off.
4) Handle mixed valves carefully
If trees, shrubs, and turf share one valve, follow the frequency needed by the thirstiest plants, but reduce the run time where possible or consider adding a separate drip line for trees and shrubs. Phoenix Water’s tree and plant guidance shows why mixed valves waste water.
5) Add smart tech and check for leaks
Weather-based smart controllers automatically adjust for heat, rain, and seasonal changes, which reduces overwatering. Many local utilities promote WaterSense-labeled controllers. Here is how smart controllers simplify your schedule. Also walk your system seasonally to spot broken heads or hidden leaks, which can spike your bill. Use this outdoor watering checklist.
Seasonal Phoenix tips
Overseeding a winter lawn
If you overseed with rye in fall, germination requires multiple short daily runs at first. Transition to deeper, less frequent watering once established. Use this overseeding schedule example.
Adjust after monsoon rain
When storms deliver measurable rain, pause or reduce irrigation for a few days. Smart controllers can handle this automatically, or you can make quick manual changes.
Watch for curtailments and updates
Some providers can move from voluntary conservation to mandatory schedules during shortages. Always check your water provider’s current stage and rules before you set your timer. See how curtailment stages can work in the West Valley.
Make your yard work smarter
A well-tuned schedule keeps plants healthy, cuts waste, and boosts curb appeal. If you are prepping to sell or planning a move, a clean, water-wise landscape makes a strong first impression and helps your home stand out.
If you want local guidance on which updates add value before you list, or which neighborhoods fit your yard and lifestyle goals, we are here to help. Reach out to The Holmes Team for friendly, expert advice tailored to Phoenix’s east and southeast Valley.
FAQs
How often should I water Bermuda lawn in Phoenix summer?
- Many local guides suggest every 3 to 7 days in mid-summer for established Bermuda, then adjust minutes so water reaches the root zone. Increase or decrease based on heat, soil, and shade.
What time of day should I run my sprinklers in Phoenix?
- Early morning, about 1 to 3 hours before sunrise, is best. Avoid roughly 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in warm months to limit evaporation and runoff.
How do I water trees and shrubs without overwatering turf?
- Separate zones if possible. If they share a valve, use the turf’s frequency but shorten run time, or add drip for trees and shrubs so you can water them deeply but less often.
Are smart irrigation controllers worth it in Phoenix?
- Yes. Weather-based controllers adjust for temperature, rain, and season, which reduces waste and saves time. Many utilities in the Valley promote WaterSense-labeled models.
What should I change during monsoon season?
- Pause or cut back watering for a few days after measurable rain, then return to your normal frequency once soil moisture drops. Smart controllers can automate these changes.
