There are a few key elements to be thinking about when it comes to your property’s sprinkler system, and how long to water grass with sprinklers throughout the spring and summer is a top example. In a place like Utah, with hot and dry summers, proper watering frequency is key – but you also want to avoid overwatering risks that can also waste precious water. 

At Aeroscape, we’re happy to offer a huge range of landscape contractor services for clients around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas of Utah, including everything from landscape designers to specific services like sprinkler repair, water features and more. Here are some basic guides on how long to water grass for, both in terms of watering time per station and number of times your sprinklers run per week. 

80 Degrees and Under

For the chunks of time where the Utah spring and summer weather stays below 80 degrees, you will generally not need to run your sprinklers more than two to three times per week. The general goal here should be about half an inch of water per station at each watering (more on per-station watering levels in a bit).

Your watering length for each station will depend largely on which kind of sprinkler head is being used:

• Fan-style pop-ups: For these heads, you can expect about 20 minutes of watering per station to deliver the half inch we just mentioned.

• Rotary heads: Here, you’ll usually need closer to 30 minutes per station for roughly the same amount of water. If your rotary heads rotate to particularly wide ranges and cover lots of ground, this number may increase a bit. 

80 Degrees and Above

Once you get over 80 degrees during the summer, and particularly over 90 and up into the 100s for certain days, you will likely need to increase your watering frequency. This generally means an extra day or two added onto the schedule we just went over, depending on how consistently hot things are.

In addition, you should also be increasing your watering amounts for each station. Our pros recommend that every 10-degree jump in temperature adds about five minutes of per-station watering time (up to a maximum of 40 minutes). So if you’re looking at temperatures in the 90s instead of the 80s, for instance, you’ll want about 30-35 minutes per station instead of the aforementioned 20 and 30-minute estimates.

More Detail on Watering Time and Levels Per Station

For those who really want to get detailed about their sprinklers, there’s a simple method to determine exactly how much water certain areas of your lawn are getting:

• Set out some flat-bottomed cups in various areas of your lawn, then run the sprinklers as usual.

• Measure how much water is in each cup after 20 minutes. If you’re getting half an inch here – or close to it – you’re right on target with our recommended watering times for this temperature and head type combination.

• If you need more than half an inch, either increase your watering time or add another day per week to ensure proper coverage. On the flip side, if you see significantly more than half an inch in most cups, dial things back a bit since you may be overwatering.

Ideally, it’s best to do this early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and there’s less evaporation. This will give you the most accurate read on how much water your lawn is getting. 

Other Watering Considerations

Before we wrap up, a few other important elements to consider:

• Wind: If it’s particularly windy on a given day, hold off on watering until things calm down a bit. The wind can cause uneven watering or even blow some of it away entirely.

• Rain: During rainy periods, don’t forget to turn off your sprinklers or adjust their schedules accordingly.

• Slope: For areas with slopes or inclines, shorter bursts of water may be more effective than longer ones that might run off quickly. 

• Soil type: Sandy soil will generally require more water than clay soil due to its porous nature.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your sprinkler system is running efficiently and effectively throughout the spring and summer. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Aeroscape for expert advice and assistance with all things landscaping. We’re here to help clients around SLC, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas with all their landscaping needs! 

There are several components that are often utilized within landscape design, and the use of rocks is a common example. What are some options for landscape design with rocks, and how can they be used throughout various parts of your landscape and for multiple purposes?

At Aeroscape, our elite landscape designers are here to help with a huge range of landscape design and installation services around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan and nearby areas, including hardscape and many services related to rocks and similar elements. Here’s a basic guide to landscaping with rocks, from important initial considerations to seasonal planning, choosing the right rock types and more. 

Initial Planning and Rock Uses

As you’re first considering rock usage in your landscape design, it’s important to keep several factors in mind. These include:

• Sun exposure: Rocks can retain heat, so be conscious of how much sun a given portion of your yard receives before placing them.

• Drainage: Some rocks may absorb water and impact drainage patterns in the area.

• Maintenance: Certain rock types require more maintenance than others due to their color, size or other properties.

Once these considerations are made, it’s time to think about the many different purposes rocks can serve within landscaping. Here are some common options our designers often work with:

1. Decorative elements: One of the simplest and most popular uses for rocks is as decorative elements that add aesthetic appeal to a given area. This might involve placing them in specific patterns or using them to line walkways, gardens or other features.

1. Retaining walls: For areas with soil erosion concerns or steep slopes, rocks are often used to build retaining walls that keep the ground in place.

1. Water features: Rocks can be used to create stunning waterfalls, ponds and other water features that add ambience and elegance to your landscape.

1. Ground cover: Certain types of rock can also serve as ground cover options for areas where grass may not thrive or where it’s difficult to maintain plant life due to foot traffic.

1. Pathways: Rocks can be used to create unique and attractive pathways throughout your landscape, leading visitors through various areas and highlighting specific features.

Seasonal Considerations

As you plan for rocks within your landscape design, it’s important to consider how they will change with the seasons. Depending on where you live, weather patterns may cause rocks to erode or shift over time. For this reason, it’s essential to choose durable rock types that can withstand seasonal changes without losing their aesthetic appeal or functionality. 

In addition, consider how rocks may impact other elements of your landscape, such as plants and soil. For example, some rocks can retain heat and cause plants to wilt if placed too close to them. It’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain any rock features within your landscape to ensure their stability and safety.

Choosing the Right Rocks

Finally, when it comes to choosing the right rocks for your landscape design, consult with our expert designers who can help you select the perfect options for your specific needs. Some factors that may influence your decision include:

• Color: The color of rocks can vary greatly and may impact the overall aesthetic of your landscape. Choose colors that complement existing features or provide a desired contrast. 

• Size: The size of rocks can also vary greatly and may impact their functionality within your landscape. Consider the purpose of the rocks before selecting a specific size.

• Texture: Rocks come in various textures, from smooth to rough. Think about the overall feel you want to create within your landscape when choosing textures for your rocks.

Maintenance Themes

It’s also important to keep maintenance in mind when choosing rocks for your landscape. Some rock types require more upkeep than others, so be sure to select options that align with your desired level of maintenance. In addition, consider how the rocks will impact overall maintenance of your landscape – for example, some may create additional weeding work or other tasks.

Keeping Extras Available

For many of our clients, we recommend keeping some extra rocks on hand in case of any future repairs or changes to your landscape. This will ensure you can easily maintain the look and functionality of your rock features without having to source new materials later on.

At Aeroscape, we’re passionate about creating beautiful landscapes that utilize rocks and other elements to their fullest potential. Contact us today to learn more about our landscaping services and how we can help you incorporate rocks into your landscape design, whether you’re in SLC, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan or any nearby area!