Programming a sprinkler systems can be a relatively simple task once you have a few basic guidelines. Scheduling is programming the controller for the number of days per week you want the system to operate combined with the duration that each zone waters also known as the run time. You can have your sprinkler system programmed to come on every day, every other day, every third day, and so on. Other factors to consider while programming would be the type of plant material to be watered, the type of soil the plant material is rooted in, sun vs. shade, flat land vs. hill side? All are important in determining the correct amount of water to be applied in a given time period.Generally speaking, for the north shore of Long Island, the program that works the best is watering every other day and/or watering on odd or even days of the month. The soils on the north shore are typically heavy clay or a heavy clay loam and are compacted. They do not accept water very well and have poor drainage. The positive characteristic of this is that clay soils hold water better and longer making it available to many types of trees and plants. The sprinkler system can operate less frequently and for shorter periods of time in these conditions.
Sandy soil allows for fast percolation and has good drainage but does not hold water very well and thus needs to be watered much more frequently and for a longer period of time. It is important to know your soil type as this will help determine how long your sprinklers should be on and operating. If your property is very sandy then you may need to water every day. If you have clay soils then every other day or every third day during the summer works best. Many communities and water providers have required odd and even day watering. If you have an odd number house then you are only allowed to water on odd days and if you have even number house then only on even days of the calendar. This helps reduce water usage and a strain on the water supply infrastructure. Many communities cannot have their consumers all watering at the same time because the supply and the supply system cannot provide for it. In my opinion, I like to see Rain Rich customer's water 2x or 3x per week. An every other day program is sufficient.
The question that usually arises is "how long should I have my sprinklers run?" There is no set amount of time due to the fact each house and property varies. Here are some guidelines for summer watering:
- Lawn areas that are in full sun all day long 40 - 60 minutes each rotary zone, 10 -15 minutes for a spray zone.
- Lawn areas in the shade most of the day then 20 - 40 minutes each rotary zone, 5- 10 minutes for a spray zone.
- Trees and shrubs for a spray zone, 15 - 20 minutes per day.
If you see your lawn and shrub areas puddling up, cut back on the run time for that zone.
When the weather is hot and dry then be on the high side and when it cools down then the low side. It is best not to over water as that will leach out nutrients from the soil and displace oxygen in the soil.
If the weather is really hot and dry for a long period of many days and weeks then cycling through your sprinkler system program a second time during the day a few hours after the first cycle is completed will help without wasting water. The challenge with regard to scheduling is to running the sprinklers long enough to meet the needs of the plant material whether it is lawn, shrubs, trees, and flowers and also be absorbed by the soil but not so much that it infiltrates past the root zone or runs off to another area.
It is uncommon here on the north shore of Long Island to find soil with good drainage. The soil here can be a very heavy clay loam. It does not allow water to percolate in and either runs off or puddles on the ground. When this happens then you are wasting water and pulling nutrients from the soil and washing them away. One common technique is to have your controller run for less time but cycle more frequently. This way you give the soil time to absorb the water. I recommend using the seasonal adjust button on your Hunter pro-c controller. During those super dry hot weeks, like the one we are having now is to turn up the seasonal adjust button to 120% or more. A 10 minute run time is now 12 minutes. When the weather cools down you can decrease the seasonal adjust button to 80% and now a 10 minute zone is operating at 8 minutes. Again, this is just a guide and it is always best to walk your yard and observe. The unscientific method is to walk on your lawn and observes the grass you just flatten - if it springs back then there is sufficient moisture if the grass stays flat then it needs water.
The best time to water is very early in the morning due to better pressure and volume. I prefer to set the clock to start at 2:00 am and finish by 6:00 am. This way there is no interference with water usage in the home. EARLY MORNING WATERING IS BEST because it is typically a calm time of day with little wind and therefore the water from the sprinkler reaches its intended target - your lawn and garden. There is very little loss of water due to evaporation. TRY NOT TO WATER AFTER 10 AM AS NOW THE DAY IS HEATING UP and water will be wasted as it will evaporate before it goes deep into the soil. However, if your lawn and plants needs water then by all means water it. Many golf courses will water in the middle of a hot day just to cool the grass down. It is a myth that a drop of water sitting on the leaf of a blade of grass or any plant in bright sun acts as magnifying glass and burns the plant.
Try not to water in the evening or at night as a soggy lawn and landscape in warm humid weather promotes fungus and other diseases and overall creates an unhealthy condition. Again, if you have to water because you notice your plants needing extra then please water!
For help adjusting your controller, please refer to the quick guide inside the door panel. Hunter, Rainbird, and Toro offer additional help on line and instruction manuals if you misplaced yours that you can download for free.
Hunter or 1-800-733-2823
Rainbird
Toro
If you still need help, when all else fails, adjusting your controller do not hesitate to contact our office at 631-423-2211 for further discussion.
