Beat the Heat: How to Summer-Proof Your Irrigation System
Living in Tucson means one thing when summer hits: extreme heat. Temperatures often soar past 100°F, and while residents can find ways to cool off, your irrigation system doesn't get a break. Intense heat can stress your landscape and your wallet without the proper preparation. So, how can you summer-proof your irrigation system to beat the heat and keep your lawn and plants thriving? Here's your go-to guide.
1. Inspect Your System Early
The first step to summer-proofing your irrigation system is giving it a full inspection — ideally before the hottest months arrive. Look for:
Cracked or leaking pipes
Clogged nozzles and emitters
Broken sprinkler heads
Uneven spray patterns
Leaks can waste gallons of water every day. Minor issues in spring can become significant problems by July. An inspection by a professional irrigation technician ensures you catch minor issues early.
2. Upgrade to High-Efficiency Nozzles
Older sprinklers often waste water by spraying too much, too fast. In Tucson's heat, much of that water evaporates before it even hits the soil.
Upgrading to high-efficiency nozzles or drip irrigation systems can dramatically reduce water loss. These modern systems deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
3. Install a Smart Controller
Old-school controllers run on fixed schedules, but summer weather isn't always predictable. Smart controllers adjust watering based on real-time weather, soil conditions, and plant needs.
A properly installed smart controller can save up to 50% on water use, especially during heat waves or unexpected rainstorms. (We'll explore smart controllers further in the next blog!)
4. Water Early or Late
Timing matters.
Schedule your irrigation for early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM). This will reduce water loss to evaporation and give plants time to absorb moisture before the heat hits.
Pro Tip:
Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, daily watering. It encourages deeper root growth, making plants more drought-resistant.
5. Adjust Watering Zones
Not every part of your landscape needs the same amount of water. Shady areas need less water than sunny, exposed spots. Trees, shrubs, and grass also have different requirements.
Customize your zones to avoid overwatering (wasting money) or underwatering (stressing your plants).
6. Check for Soil Moisture
Before adjusting watering times, check your soil!
Simple soil moisture meters can show if your plants are really dry or just look that way. During summer, overwatering is almost as damaging as drought.
7. Mulch Your Beds
Mulch acts like a natural sunscreen for your soil.
Adding 2–3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds:
Reduces evaporation
Keeps soil temperatures lower
Suppresses weeds
Organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, also enhances soil health over time.
8. Schedule Mid-Summer Maintenance
Mid-summer is the perfect time to schedule a mid-season inspection. Just like a tune-up for your car before a road trip, your irrigation system deserves a check-up before the worst heat peaks.
Look for:
Unusual dry patches or puddling
Shifts in spray direction (often caused by kids, pets, or lawn equipment)
System pressure issues
9. Educate Your Family (and Guests!)
A surprising number of irrigation issues are caused by accidental bumps or tampering. Teach your family members, landscapers, or guests where sprinklers and drip lines are located. This simple tip can prevent a lot of avoidable damage.
10. Consider Professional Help
If you're unsure whether your system is ready for the Tucson heat, don't risk it!
A professional irrigation audit ensures everything runs at peak efficiency, saving you water, money, and heartache when temps reach triple digits.
Final Thoughts:
Summer in Tucson is no joke, but with the proper preparation, your irrigation system can handle it like a champ.
By inspecting early, upgrading to smart tech, adjusting your watering habits, and giving your landscape some extra TLC, you'll enjoy a lush, healthy yard all summer long — without wasting precious water.
Ready to summer-proof your system?
Schedule a free inspection with Conserva Irrigation today and beat the heat smartly! Call us at (520) 492-2626 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
