Nassau and Suffolk Counties are currently under a drought alert and experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Rainfall is approximately 5–7 inches below normal, and current forecasts predict continued extreme heat with very little rainfall over the next 10 days.
These conditions mean your lawn and landscape will require additional watering to remain healthy.
Just like people, plants need adequate hydration. Unlike us, they cannot move into the shade or into an air-conditioned home to escape the heat. Prolonged high temperatures and dry weather place tremendous stress on lawns, shrubs, trees, and flower beds.
High temperatures also increase evapotranspiration—the combined loss of water through evaporation from the soil and the natural process of water being released through plant leaves. As evapotranspiration increases, your landscape loses moisture much faster than normal.
Recommendations During Extreme Heat
To help protect your landscape during this period of drought and excessive heat, consider the following adjustments to your irrigation system:
- Increase the watering time for each irrigation zone.
- Increase the number of watering days each week (where permitted).
- Schedule your irrigation system to begin watering in the early morning hours to reduce evaporation.
- If your controller allows, program a second watering cycle later in the day. Splitting watering into two shorter cycles can improve water absorption and help reduce runoff.
Follow Local Watering Restrictions
Always follow the regulations established by your town, county, and local water supplier. Before making changes to your irrigation schedule, check with your water district to confirm the permitted watering days and times.
Need Help Programming Your Controller?
Most irrigation controllers are easy to adjust once you know where the settings are located. If you’re unsure how to make changes, visit YouTube and search for your controller’s model number. You’ll find many helpful videos that demonstrate programming and operation in just a few minutes.
Consider Upgrading to a Smart Controller
If you’re looking for a more efficient solution, consider upgrading to the Hunter Hydrawise Smart Controller.
Hydrawise allows you to manage your irrigation system from your smartphone, tablet, or computer from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Even better, it continuously monitors local weather conditions and automatically adjusts watering schedules based on temperature, rainfall, wind, and seasonal changes. This helps maintain a healthier landscape while conserving water whenever possible.
A healthy landscape is a valuable investment. Proper irrigation management is far less expensive than replacing damaged lawns, shrubs, trees, and other landscape plantings after prolonged drought stress.
We’re Here to Help
If you need assistance adjusting your irrigation system or are interested in upgrading to a smart controller, we’re happy to help.
Rain Rich Irrigation & Landscape Lighting
📞 631-423-2211
Discover more from Rain Rich Lawn Sprinklers & Landscape Lighting
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
