End-of-Year Checklist for a Healthy Landscape in the New Year
As the year winds down and Tucson shifts into cooler weather, now is the perfect time to give your landscape and irrigation system the attention they need before 2026 arrives. An end-of-year checkup ensures your plants stay healthy through winter, your irrigation system runs efficiently, and you’re positioned for strong water savings and better performance in the new year.
Whether you’ve had leaks repaired, upgraded to smart technology, or simply kept up with seasonal adjustments this year, a final inspection and tune-up can prevent costly issues and keep your yard thriving. Here’s a comprehensive checklist—simple, practical, and tailored to Tucson’s desert climate—to guide you through preparing your landscape for a strong start in 2026.
1. Adjust Winter Watering Schedules
Winter watering needs in Tucson drop dramatically. Many homeowners accidentally leave their system running on a summer cycle, wasting thousands of gallons.
Before the new year begins:
Reduce watering frequency to once every 10–14 days
Shorten runtimes for shrubs and perennials
Switch warm-season turf to minimal watering
Ensure your smart controller is set to “cool season” mode
Proper winter watering helps prevent overwatering, root rot, and unnecessary water waste.
2. Inspect Your Irrigation System for Leaks
Cooler months are the best time to identify leaks because the system isn’t under as much pressure and wet spots are easier to spot.
Check carefully for:
Soggy patches along drip lines
Low pressure in certain zones
Dripping or cracked emitters
Water pooling near valves
Unexpected rises in your water bill
Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons over time. Handling repairs now ensures your system is ready for spring growth.
3. Protect Exposed Pipes and Backflow Assemblies
Tucson rarely freezes—but when it does, exposed pipes and backflow preventers are the first to suffer damage.
End-of-year prep should include:
Inspecting insulation on exposed copper or PVC
Adding or replacing foam insulation as needed
Checking your backflow preventer for corrosion
Ensuring shutoff valves operate smoothly
A damaged backflow assembly is not only a repair expense—it’s a safety hazard. Proper winter protection keeps your system secure.
4. Clean and Realign Sprinkler Heads
Wind, soil movement, foot traffic, and regular mowing can cause sprinkler heads to shift or clog.
Your end-of-year checklist should include:
Removing debris from nozzles
Replacing heads that don’t rotate properly
Realigning heads spraying walls, sidewalks, or windows
Ensuring full coverage without overlap or waste
A few adjustments here can dramatically improve coverage and reduce runoff.
5. Refresh Mulch for Insulation
Adding mulch around plants in late fall or early winter helps:
Regulate soil temperature
Protect roots from cold snaps
Reduce evaporation
Improve soil moisture retention
A 2–3 inch layer is all you need to help your landscape stay healthy through winter and into spring.
6. Evaluate Your Plants’ Health
Winter is the ideal time to inspect your landscape and remove or replace struggling plants.
Focus on:
Plants with minimal new growth
Shrubs showing signs of disease
Trees with structural issues
Desert plants that look overly stressed
Pruning dead branches and removing non-thriving plants prepares your yard for healthier regrowth in early 2026.
7. Plan Irrigation Upgrades for 2026
The end of the year is the perfect moment to think ahead. Many Tucson homeowners choose to upgrade during winter to avoid peak-season scheduling and to ensure their system is optimized before hotter weather returns.
Consider upgrading to:
Smart irrigation controllers
Pressure-regulated drip systems
Newer, high-efficiency nozzles
A full system redesign for better zone control
Small upgrades made in December can save money—and thousands of gallons—in the year ahead.
Start the New Year With a Healthy, Efficient Landscape
Your irrigation system works year-round to protect your plants and conserve water. An end-of-year inspection ensures it’s performing at its best, prevents surprise repairs, and sets you up for a more sustainable landscape in 2026.
Ready to prepare your system for the new year?
✉️ Tucson@conservairrigation.com
🌐 www.conservairrigation.com/tucson-east
Let’s make 2026 your most efficient, water-smart year yet. 🌿💧
