December and January are our coldest months, and plant water usage is at its lowest point. Keep in mind that too much water on plants encourages lush, active growth that is more prone to frost damage. Plants that are dehydrated or water stressed also incur more damage. Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about 2 years).
Lawn watering:
Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 30 days
Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - once every 14 days
If trees and shrubs are on the same valve:
Desert Adapted - once every 35 days
High Water Use - once every 18 days
Tree watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 45 days
High Water Use - once every 21 days
Shrub watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 30 days
High Water Use - once every 14 days
Groundcover and vine watering:
Desert Adapted - once every 28 days
High Water Use - once every 14 days
Cacti and succulent watering - if needed
Annuals watering - once every 10 days
Wildflower watering - once every 15 days
Reduce your landscape watering 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 Web site at
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com or request a free copy at
http://www.chandleraz.gov/forms/waterconservation.aspx.
