At Prince Irrigation, we believe an efficient irrigation system starts with understanding when and how to water your lawn and landscape. Overwatering, watering at the wrong time, or using the wrong duration can lead to unhealthy plants, wasted water, and higher utility bills. Follow these proven tips to keep your yard thriving year-round.
Watering at the right time is just as important as how much you water.
Avoid watering during the heat of the day.
Watering when the sun is out (especially between late morning and early evening) can cause up to 50% of your water to evaporate before it even reaches the roots.
Avoid watering early in the evening (6 pm – 10 pm).
Watering too late keeps your lawn wet all night, creating a breeding ground for fungus and disease.
✅ Ideal watering time:
The best time to water is in the early morning hours, between 1 am and 8 am.
This gives your landscape time to dry out during the day while maximizing water absorption.
In Texas, less is often more! Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, daily watering.
Stronger Root Growth
Deep watering encourages plants to grow roots further into the soil, making them more drought-resistant.
Healthier Lawn & Plants
Allowing soil to dry between waterings reduces the risk of fungal growth and plant diseases.
Salt Management
Longer, less frequent watering helps wash away excess soil salts that can build up over time.
Note: Our region’s clay-heavy soil can only absorb so much water at a time. If you water too long, you’ll end up with runoff — which wastes water and money. Adjust your schedule as needed based on the weather and your soil conditions.
| Season | Recommended Schedule |
|---|---|
| March – June | 2 times per week |
| June – August | 3 times per week |
| September – November | 2 times per week |
| November – February | 0–1 time per week (as needed) |
| Sprinkler Type | Average Precipitation Rate |
|---|---|
| Fixed-spray sprinkler | ~1.5 inches per hour |
| Gear-driven rotating sprinkler | ~0.5 inches per hour |
| Landscape drip tubing | ~0.4 inches per hour |
🌿 How to Calculate Watering Time:
To know how long to run each zone, you need two things:
The precipitation rate for your sprinkler type (see table above).
The weekly Evapotranspiration (ET) rate for your area (how much water your landscape loses to heat, wind, and plant use).
Luckily, you don’t have to calculate ET yourself — there are great tools available:
Water My Yard — Free recommendations based on your ZIP code and local weather data.
Texas ET Network — Get detailed evapotranspiration info for your region.
BV WaterSmart — A Brazos Valley-specific resource offering customized watering guidance, conservation tips, and smart irrigation advice.
If the weekly ET (Evapotranspiration) is 1.5 inches, here's how much time you need to water:
| Sprinkler Type | Total Weekly Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Fixed-spray heads | 60 minutes |
| Gear-driven rotors | 180 minutes |
| Landscape drip tubing | 225 minutes |
| Sprinkler Type | Time per Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Fixed-spray heads | 20 minutes |
| Gear-driven rotors | 60 minutes |
| Landscape drip tubing | 75 minutes |
By understanding your soil, your sprinklers, and the needs of your landscape, you’ll water more efficiently — saving money and helping your plants thrive.
If you’d like help adjusting your irrigation system or creating a customized watering schedule, contact Prince Irrigation today. We’re happy to help you make the most of every drop!