By Ismael Ruelas, General Manager, Mikrob

Summer in North Texas can be tough on lawns, trees and landscape plants. As temperatures climb and rainfall becomes less predictable, many homeowners respond by increasing sprinkler run times. Unfortunately, more watering is not always the answer.

A healthier approach is to water smarter.

The key to successful summer irrigation is understanding how plants, soil and irrigation systems work together. When these elements are in balance, landscapes can stay healthy while using water more efficiently.

How Much Water Does a Landscape Need?

Most established North Texas lawns—including Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia—typically require about one inch of water every five to 10 days during the hottest months of summer. Rainfall counts toward that total, so irrigation should supplement, not replace, natural precipitation.

Deep, less frequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, helping plants become more resilient during periods of heat and drought. By contrast, frequent shallow watering can keep roots near the surface, making landscapes more vulnerable to stress.

Why Clay Soil Matters

Much of the Dallas-Fort Worth area sits on heavy clay soil. While clay can hold significant amounts of water, it absorbs moisture slowly. When sprinklers apply water faster than the soil can absorb it, runoff occurs and valuable water ends up in streets, gutters and driveways instead of reaching plant roots.

This is one reason homeowners often find that simply increasing sprinkler run times does not solve dry lawn problems.

The Power of “Cycle and Soak”

One of the most effective irrigation strategies for North Texas landscapes is called cycle and soak.

Instead of running a sprinkler zone for one long period, watering is divided into several shorter cycles with rest periods in between. These pauses allow clay soil to absorb water more effectively and reduce runoff.

Think of it like watering a dry sponge. Pouring all the water at once causes overflow, while adding water gradually allows it to soak in. The same principle applies to landscape irrigation.

Adjusting for Your Yard

No two landscapes are exactly alike. Areas with full sun, reflected heat from pavement or low water pressure may require additional watering. Shaded locations or low spots that remain damp may need less.

A simple way to evaluate irrigation performance is to place several straight-sided cans throughout a watering zone and run the system for 15 minutes. Measuring the water collected in each container can reveal how evenly the zone is irrigating and help homeowners make informed adjustments.

Smart Technology Can Help

Weather-based irrigation controllers and other smart technologies can help reduce water waste by automatically adjusting schedules based on local conditions. However, even smart systems require proper programming and periodic review to perform effectively.

A Few Minutes of Prevention

Before summer heat reaches its peak, homeowners should inspect their irrigation systems for broken heads, clogged nozzles, overspray and runoff issues. Small adjustments now can prevent larger problems later.

Healthy landscapes begin with healthy soil and efficient water use. A few thoughtful changes to an irrigation system can improve plant health, reduce water waste and help landscapes thrive throughout the North Texas summer.

Mikrob is a North Texas based organic lawn care solutions company focused improving  soil health, landscape performance and water efficiency through science-based biological solutions and sustainable landscape practices. For more information, visit MikrobLawnCare.com or call 469-436-5323.  

NORTH TEXAS SUMMER WATERING QUICK GUIDE

For Established Lawns and Landscapes

Spray Heads
• 5–8 minutes per cycle

Rotary Nozzles
• 20–30 minutes per cycle

Rotor Heads
• 15–20 minutes per cycle

Tree Bubblers
• 5–7 minutes per cycle

Drip Irrigation
• 25–60 minutes per cycle

Watering Tip: Rather than running one long irrigation cycle, divide watering into several shorter cycles with 30 to 60 minutes between each cycle. This "cycle and soak" method helps North Texas clay soils absorb water more effectively, reducing runoff and encouraging deeper root growth.

Important: Always follow your municipality's current watering restrictions and adjust schedules based on rainfall, shade, slope, soil conditions and plant needs.