As the vibrant New Mexico summer gives way to the cooler days of fall, it's a signal to gardeners and homeowners that it's time to adjust their landscaping care. Your plants and trees, whether they're native xeriscape species or more traditional greenery, have different watering needs in the autumn and winter.
One of the most common mistakes we see is continuing a summer watering schedule right through the change of seasons. This can lead to overwatering, which not only wastes water but can also harm your plants, making them more vulnerable to disease and cold damage. This guide walks you through the essential steps to properly adjust your drip irrigation system, ensuring your landscape stays healthy and thrives through the cooler months.
Don't wait until it's too late—if you need a hand with your irrigation system this season, contact us through our online contact form or call us at (505) 388-0055 to schedule a professional inspection.
Why Adjusting Your Drip System Is Crucial
Drip irrigation systems are incredibly efficient, delivering water directly to the plant's root zone, but they are most effective when programmed correctly for the season. In the summer, high temperatures and intense sunlight mean plants need more frequent watering to prevent dehydration. However, as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, the rate of water evaporation from the soil slows down significantly.
Continuing to water on a summer schedule during the fall and winter can saturate the soil, leading to a number of problems. Roots can become waterlogged, which suffocates them and can cause root rot. Overwatering also makes plants more susceptible to fungal diseases and can even reduce their cold tolerance, leaving them vulnerable to frost damage. Making these seasonal adjustments is a simple, effective way to maintain a healthy landscape and conserve water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Drip System
Adjusting your drip irrigation system is a straightforward process that anyone can do with a little guidance. Your goal is to reduce both the frequency and the duration of your watering cycles to match the new seasonal needs of your plants.
Step 1: Change the Frequency of Watering
The first and most important adjustment is how often you water. In the height of summer, you might have been watering every day or every other day. As the weather cools, you can significantly reduce this frequency.
- For Established Plants and Trees: Start by cutting your watering schedule to about once every 3 to 5 days. For some drought-tolerant native plants, you might even be able to stretch it to once a week.
- For New Plantings: Newly installed plants may still need more frequent, shorter watering sessions to help them establish their root systems. Monitor the soil moisture around them to find the right balance.
Keep a close eye on your plants and the soil. If the soil still feels moist a day or two after watering, you are likely watering too often. If it dries out quickly, you might need to increase the frequency slightly.
Step 2: Shorten the Duration of Watering Cycles
Once you've adjusted the frequency, you'll also want to reduce the length of each watering session. The key is to provide enough water to penetrate the soil deeply, encouraging roots to grow downward, without drowning the plant.
- For Trees: A deep, infrequent watering is much more beneficial than a shallow, daily one. You can reduce the watering time by 25% to 50% from your summer schedule.
- For Shrubs and Perennials: These plants also benefit from less frequent but thorough watering. Cut their watering duration by a similar percentage.
Remember, the goal is to provide a good, soaking drink and then allow the soil to dry out a bit before the next watering. This mimics natural rainfall patterns and encourages healthier root growth.
Step 3: Check Your Emitters and Lines
While you're making these adjustments, it's also a good time to perform a quick inspection of your drip system. Drip emitters can become clogged with mineral deposits over time, which can prevent water from reaching your plants. Here's a quick checklist:
- Look for Leaks: Walk the entire length of your drip lines while the system is running and check for any drips, leaks, or broken tubing.
- Inspect Emitters: Make sure each emitter is consistently dripping water and is not clogged. If an emitter is blocked, you can try cleaning it or, if it's too old, replacing it.
- Check for Proper Placement: Ensure the emitters are positioned correctly near the base of your plants, where the roots can absorb the water most efficiently.
Catching these small issues now can prevent bigger problems later on. A system that is not operating at its best can lead to some plants getting too much water and others not getting enough, which can be detrimental to your entire landscape.
The Role of System Winterization
Beyond simple adjustments, preparing your irrigation system for winter is a critical step, especially in a region like Albuquerque where freezing temperatures are a real concern. Winterization is the process of completely draining your irrigation lines and backflow prevention device to protect them from freeze damage. When water freezes, it expands, and this expansion can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs in the spring. Even if your system is turned off, water can remain in the lines, posing a risk.
Adjusting your watering schedule is a great first step, but for true peace of mind, a professional winterization service is the safest choice. Our specialists at Just Sprinklers use specialized air compressors to blow all the water out of the lines, guaranteeing no water is left behind to cause damage. For more information please visit our winterization and spring start-ups page.
Your Fall & Winter Drip System Checklist
To make this transition as easy as possible, here is a simple checklist you can follow:
- October: Begin to reduce your watering frequency and duration. Start by cutting back to every 2-3 days and shortening the watering time. As temperatures continue to fall, reduce watering frequency even more. Check your soil moisture regularly to ensure you are not overwatering. This is a great time to schedule a professional winterization.
- November & December: The coldest months in New Mexico often mean your plants are dormant. You can water established plants very infrequently, perhaps once every 2-4 weeks on a warm day when there is no risk of a freeze. Be careful not to water when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help your landscape transition smoothly into the cooler seasons. Taking these preventative steps now will help your plants remain healthy and ready for the spring. It’s about working with nature, not against it, and making small changes that have a big, positive impact.
Stay Efficient with Seasonal Drip Irrigation Care
When you need professional help to ensure your drip irrigation system is ready for the New Mexico seasons, turn to the experts at Just Sprinklers. We offer comprehensive services, from system inspections and repairs to complete winterization, giving you confidence and peace of mind all year long. We understand the specific needs of landscapes in our unique climate.
Let us help you protect your investment and keep your yard looking its best. To get started, schedule a consultation with our team through our online contact form or give us a call at (505) 388-0055 today.