Water Check-Up for California Landscapes: Save Water, Protect Your Plants, and Avoid Expensive Mistakes
Looking to save water and money while keeping your California landscape healthy? A simple irrigation system check-up can make a huge difference—especially in the Bay Area, where water is limited, soil is tricky, and plant needs vary from one property to the next.
As a landscape designer and installer working throughout Foster City, San Mateo, Belmont, Saratoga, and surrounding areas, I’ve seen nearly every irrigation mistake in the book. The good news? Most are easy to prevent.
This updated guide shows you exactly how to check your irrigation system like a pro—saving water, avoiding damage, and making your garden thrive.
Lawn Sprinkler Overspray – Bay Area Irrigation Efficiency Check
Why You Need a Seasonal Irrigation Check-Up in the Bay Area
California’s drought conditions and tiered water pricing make water efficiency essential.
Bay Area soils (especially clay-heavy ones) absorb water slowly and require proper scheduling.
Sprinkler issues, unseen leaks, and poor watering habits are some of the top causes of plant failure.
Most homeowners never adjust their watering schedule after installation—this leads to waste and runoff.
A check-up just 2x per year (spring and late summer) can keep your system working better, longer.
Step 1: Start at the Controller – the Brain of Your System
✅ Set for the right season?
✅ Different programs for sunny vs. shaded zones?
✅ Compliant with local watering day restrictions?
Pro tip for busy homeowners:
If you're tired of adjusting your controller all the time, consider installing a smart irrigation controller. It adjusts watering automatically based on local weather data—no more overwatering after a foggy morning. Many Bay Area cities even offer rebates to help cover the cost. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make.
Step 2: Walk and Test Each Irrigation Zone
Turn on each zone manually and walk the area while it runs. Look for:
Sprinkler heads spraying onto concrete, fences, or windows
Tilted or clogged nozzles
Dry spots where spray isn’t reaching
Leaks or water bubbling up from fittings
💧 Important:
Sprinkler spray heads should only be used on lawns. In planting areas, they waste water and don’t reach plant roots effectively. Use drip irrigation for trees, shrubs, and flower beds instead—it’s far more efficient and healthier for plants.
Step 3: Inspect Your Drip Irrigation System
Drip is great—when it works correctly. Check for:
Clogged or missing emitters
Blown tubing or disconnections
Plants without emitters at the root zone
Oversaturated soil or dry patches
A well-maintained drip system gives slow, deep watering right where your plants need it—no runoff, no waste.
Step 4: Understand Your Soil’s Runoff Point
Bay Area soils, especially in older neighborhoods, are compacted and clay-rich. That means water can’t soak in quickly and starts running off.
To test:
Turn on a zone and time how long it takes for water to begin running off onto sidewalks or the street.
That’s your runoff point.
Program your controller to water for shorter cycles, then pause for 30–60 minutes before resuming (this is called cycle and soak).
Step 5: Look for Hidden Leaks and Valve Issues
Leaks can go unnoticed for weeks—but they’ll show up in your bill and your landscaping.
Watch for:
Persistent wet spots in dry weather
Water trickling from zones when the system is off
Valves that don’t close fully
High water bills with no clear reason
🔧 Turn off the main irrigation valve and manually activate a zone. If water still flows, the shutoff valve is faulty and should be replaced.
Step 6: Listen to Your Plants
Your landscape will tell you what’s wrong:
Wilted, curled, or yellowing leaves may signal under- or over-watering.
Crispy leaf tips usually mean water is hitting the foliage, not the roots.
Shallow roots often result from frequent, shallow watering. Switch to deep, less frequent cycles.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
I offer seasonal irrigation audits and tune-ups across the Bay Area, including:
Controller programming
Zone-by-zone walkthroughs
Sprinkler head adjustments
Leak detection
Upgrade recommendations
Whether you're maintaining a modern front yard or dealing with mature trees and hillside gardens, I’ll make sure your system is tailored to your plants, soil, and local restrictions.
Book Your Water Check-Up Today
A few small changes now can prevent major problems later—and protect both your landscape and your water bill.
📍 Serving Foster City, San Mateo, Belmont, Portola Valley, and surrounding areas
📞 707-623-1828
📧 olga@artisticgardendesigns.com
🌐 www.artisticgardendesigns.com
