Installing an irrigation system during landscape construction can ensure that your plants are properly watered without wasting water. A drip irrigation system will water your trees and plants directly at the roots, and you can program the system to run during the early morning or evening hours, when water will not evaporate as quickly. This ensures thorough, deep watering that minimizes waste in an area where water is a precious resource. As we approach the fall season, it is important to check on your irrigation system as part of your seasonal landscape maintenance. Here’s a look at the key tasks you should schedule when you book landscaping work with Complete Landscaping in Tucson. 

Adjust Water Levels 

As temperatures cool down and plants enter their dormant period, they need less water to thrive. So, you may need to reprogram your system to account for varying seasonal water demands. At Complete Landscaping, we recommend reprogramming your irrigation system at least twice per year: once in the fall and then again in the spring. 

You should also adjust your watering schedule as your plants mature. Older, established plants need less water than newly planted trees and shrubs. So, plants that you put in the ground last winter or spring may be ready to receive less frequent waterings. 

Check the System for Leaks

If your system is leaking, it is not only wasting water, but it will not be able to adequately water all your plants. Plus, a leak may cause water to pool in different areas of your property, leading to water damage, pest infestations, and erosion. After a long summer of being exposed to the elements, your irrigation system may have worn out valves and hoses that are causing leaks. As the season changes, check your system for leaks. Walk around the perimeter and check for any wet spots as well as plants that do not seem to be getting enough water. 

Plan for a Seasonal Shutdown

While overnight freezing temperatures aren’t in the forecast just yet, they are on the way. Therefore, you should plan to shut down your system in the coming months. With regular landscape maintenance, you can ensure that your system is ready for the seasonal shutdown when the time comes. Our landscape contractors can check for any components that need replacement, ensuring that your system is less likely to fail when you turn it back on in the spring. Once it is time to fully shut down, we will clear the system of all water to avoid any damage from freezing temperatures during the winter. 

With Complete Landscaping, you can keep your property looking great year round. Our expert landscape contractors do it all from irrigation repair and maintenance to tree care to full landscape renovations. Contact us today on our website or at (520) 323-8918 to schedule a visit from our team in Tucson. We can help you get your irrigation system ready for the changing seasons and ensure that your plants are ready for cooler temperatures ahead.