The Smart Way to Water in North Texas:
The Smart Way to Water in North Texas:
Published by Urban Garden Solutions
In North Texas, keeping your landscape healthy during the warmer months isn’t just about how much you water—it’s about how you water. One of the most effective techniques we recommend to clients is using two shorter irrigation cycles instead of one long one. Here's why:
Why One Long Cycle Isn't Ideal
Running your irrigation for an extended period all at once may seem efficient, but it can lead to problems:
Water runs off before it can soak into the soil
Roots get shallow instead of deep
Mulch or fertilizer may wash out of beds
Overwatering certain zones while under-watering others
This is especially true with clay-heavy North Texas soils, which absorb water slowly. A single long cycle overwhelms the soil, causing runoff and water waste.
The 2-Cycle Watering Method
Instead of watering for, say, 20 minutes all at once, split that into two 10-minute cycles, spaced about 30 minutes to an hour apart.
This allows:
The first cycle to break the surface tension of the soil
The second cycle to penetrate deeper into the root zone
Deeper roots = healthier, more drought-resistant plants.
Additional Smart Watering Tips:
Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to reduce evaporation
Adjust runtimes seasonally
Check spray patterns and fix clogged or misaligned heads
Avoid watering when it’s windy
Bonus: Better for Fertilizer & Soil Health
Shorter, more effective watering reduces the risk of washing away granular fertilizers, prevents iron staining on hardscapes, and supports more vigorous microbial life in the soil.
Let UGS Help You Dial It In
Do you need help programming your irrigation controller or adjusting runtimes? At Urban Garden Solutions, we can inspect your system and fine-tune zones and ensure your landscape gets what it needs without waste.
