Smarter Summer Watering: How Cycle and Soak Protects Your Landscape

July 30, 2023

As Northern Colorado temperatures climb, it’s tempting to water your lawn and garden longer to combat the heat. But watering for long stretches often does more harm than good. Instead, the cycle and soak method is a smarter approach to irrigation management that helps your landscape absorb every drop, reduces runoff, and encourages healthier plant roots.

What Is the Cycle and Soak Method

Cycle and soak is a watering strategy that breaks up your irrigation schedule into shorter intervals with rest periods in between. Instead of running your sprinkler system for 15 straight minutes, you’d divide that time into three five-minute sessions spaced apart. This pacing allows water to soak deeper into the soil between each cycle, reducing waste from runoff and helping water reach the root zone where plants need it most.

The cycle and soak method is particularly effective in Northern Colorado, where we commonly have clay-heavy soils that absorb water slowly. These soils can easily become compacted, causing water to run off rather than penetrate deeply where roots can access it. This makes cycle and soak not just efficient, but essential for healthy root development and water conservation in our semi-arid climate.

How to Set Up Cycle and Soak on Your Sprinkler System

Many modern sprinkler controllers have built-in programming options that make setting up a cycle and soak schedule easy. Look for features like “multiple start times” or “interval watering.” A typical schedule might look like this:

• First Cycle: 5 minutes watering
• Soak Period: 30-60 minutes pause
• Second Cycle: 5 minutes watering
• Soak Period: 30-60 minutes pause
• Third Cycle: 5 minutes watering

If you’re unsure how to program these settings, check your sprinkler controller’s manual or search online for video tutorials specific to your model. For more complex systems or tricky landscape zones, a landscaping professional can help you fine-tune your irrigation management plan to suit your yard’s needs.

Water Wisely: Follow Local Rules and Seasonal Best Practices

When setting your irrigation schedule, always check for local watering restrictions. Many Northern Colorado communities suggest limiting watering to certain days or hours to conserve water, especially in summer. For example, cities like Fort Collins suggest watering between 6pm and 10am, when evaporation rates are lower.

Pairing the cycle and soak method with smart watering practices, such as irrigating in the early morning or late evening, maximizes water efficiency and keeps your landscape vibrant. Plus, with Colorado’s recurring drought conditions, efficient watering helps your lawn and plants become more drought-resilient.

Get Professional Help with Irrigation Management in Northern Colorado

Want to get the most out of every drop of water? Lindgren Landscape specializes in irrigation management and landscape solutions tailored to the unique soil, climate, and water needs of Northern Colorado. Contact Lindgren Landscape today to schedule a consultation and give your landscape the care it deserves – without wasting water.