Q: I have an automatic sprinkler system How long and how often should I set the sprinklers for? Should I set the area that covers the flat portion of my yard any differently than a sloped portion?

A: Your sprinklers should be set to water each area of your yard once a week for 30 minutes. If we should get a good rain, you can skip watering for the week now that it has gotten a bit cooler.

In the heat of the summer, you might want to water your sloped areas for an extra few minutes, but that is not necessary now.

Also, water in the early moring hours – 4:30 AM to 8 AM is best (and these hours are also within the watering restriction mandates). Watering at this time of the day (during growing season) allows your water to stay in the ground (as opposed to evaporating), keeps fungus at bay, and allows the plants to maintain their natural wet/dry cycles.