Below are a couple examples of how you might program your controller. A key component of these schedules is the use of a cycle and soak method.
For assistance with programming your controller call 541-552-2062.
LAWN SCHEDULE |
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Biweekly Period | Approximate Lawn Water Needs (ET) (Inches Per Week)(1) |
Total Watering Time Per Week for Standard Spray Heads(2) |
Total Watering Time Per Week for Rotary Heads(2) |
May 1-15 | 0.94 | 38 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
May 16-31 | 1.21 | 48 Minutes | 116 Minutes |
June 1-15 | 1.39 | 56 Minutes | 134 Minutes |
June 16-30 | 1.60 | 64 Minutes | 154 Minutes |
July 1-15 | 1.71 | 68 Minutes | 164 Minutes |
July 16-31 | 1.70 | 68 Minutes | 164 Minutes |
Aug 1-15 | 1.49 | 60 Minutes | 144 Minutes |
Aug 16-31 | 1.33 | 54 Minutes | 128 Minutes |
Sep 1-15 | 1.08 | 44 Minutes | 104 Minutes |
Sep 16-30 | 0.85 | 34 Minutes | 82 Minutes |
(1) Plant water need is often described as inches of water needed per week. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth’s land surface to the atmosphere.
(2) These run times are based on an average application rate of 1.5 inches per hour for standard spray heads, and 0.625 inches per hour for rotating sprinklers.
SHRUB AND TREE WATERING: The sample schedule above applies only to lawns. Most shrubs and trees prefer deeper, less frequent watering.
Weekly irrigation = 1.70 in. (ET)) / 1.5 (application rate of sprays) x 60 = 68 minutes per week.
You should utilize any City of Ashland recommended schedules as a starting point only. While this proposed schedule is based on long-term weather conditions, actual weather will vary somewhat from averages. Also, water needs vary from site to site according to such factors as vegetation, soil characteristics, slope, and how much sun an area receives.
When making adjustments to your schedule, it is probably best to make modifications a little at a time, and evaluate results before making further adjustments.
For more information on weekly watering schedules call our watering hotline at 541-552-2057.
Drip Irrigation is an ideal alternative for shrub areas. Scheduling drip zones varies according to the size and number of emitters serving various plants. Monitor soil moisture around plants using an inexpensive moisture meter to determine appropriate watering schedules.