Question
We live in Louisville, Kentucky.  Our irrigation system has 8 zones. All of which are set to run 4 times a week for 30 mins.  How do I know if some areas are getting too much and others not enough?  Some areas (zones) cover a combination of grass (mixture of kentuck blue and fescue), flower beds (perrinials), bushes and trees.  How does that work? Most all areas have good drainage.

Answer
The watering schedule you are describing sounds way to much.  If you have a dry summer without rain and lots of heat and sun in those areas, it is possible they are getting the right amount, but the same schedule for all 8 zones just does not sound like a recipe for success.  It could happen, but I would not put money on it.  It's hard not to use something so convenient and expensive.  But it's rarely the best way to take care of your landscape.

Before the sprinklers go off again, check the areas they water, and see if the areas are dry.  If they are damp, you should not water them.

If they are dry, the areas should be soaked well.  Landscapes that are watered that often are not watered enough; the roots systems are shallow and the leaves are prone to fungus.  Your slugs must be enjoying themselves with all that moisture.

Most Lawns should be watered weekly -- that's it.  Their roots grow deep into the ground and obtain moisture and minerals that are not on the surface.  During any season, irrigation needs are going to change constantly.  Overwatering may sound generous, but it provides the perfect setup for pathogens, not happy grass and flowers.