Finding the Right Watering Schedule for Austin Lawns

Matt Sorenson

Finding the Right Watering Schedule for Lawns

Austin’s climate can be unpredictable—hot, dry summers followed by unexpected rain. So how often should you really run your sprinkler system? The answer depends on season, grass type, and local watering restrictions.

General Watering Guidelines for Austin

Spring (March–May)

  • Frequency: 1–2 times per week
  • Duration: 15–20 minutes per zone
  • Tip: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Summer (June–September)

  • Frequency: 2–3 times per week (max allowed under city rules)
  • Duration: 20–30 minutes per zone
  • Tip: Deep, infrequent watering is better than short daily runs.

Fall (October–November)

  • Frequency: 1 time per week
  • Duration: 10–15 minutes
  • Tip: Gradually scale back as temperatures cool.

Winter (December–February)

  • Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks or turn off completely if rain is consistent
  • Tip: Avoid watering during freeze warnings.

Know Austin’s Watering Restrictions

Austin Water has specific guidelines for residential watering, including assigned watering days and time-of-day restrictions. South Austin Irrigation stays up to date on these rules so we can help you stay in compliance.

Need Help Setting a Smart Watering Schedule?

When it comes to keeping your landscape healthy in Central Texas, timing is everything. Water too often, and you risk runoff, fungus, and high utility bills. Water too little, and your grass and plants suffer—especially in the peak of summer. Add in Austin’s strict watering restrictions, and it’s easy to feel unsure about when and how long to run your sprinkler system.

That’s where we come in.

At South Austin Irrigation, we offer professional system tune-ups and smart timer programming to make sure your system is not only watering efficiently but also in full compliance with city regulations. We take into account:

  • Your landscape’s unique needs
  • Soil type and sun exposure
  • Current season and weather conditions
  • City-mandated watering days and time restrictions

We’ll walk through your zones, check for over- or under-watering, and fine-tune your schedule to strike the perfect balance between conservation and plant health.

Not Sure If Your System Is Running Efficiently?

If you’re unsure whether your sprinkler system is set up correctly—or if hidden issues are causing water waste—it’s a good idea to have it professionally inspected. Small problems like misaligned heads, unnoticed leaks, or outdated timers can lead to high water bills and poor lawn performance.

At South Austin Irrigation, we’ll assess your system for:

  • Proper coverage and pressure
  • Signs of leaks or broken components
  • Outdated or inefficient parts
  • Compliance with Austin watering rules

Give us a call at (512) 534-7449 to schedule a check-up or repair. We’ll help you stop waste, save water, and keep your landscape healthy.