As summer temperatures rise across Utah, irrigation systems are put to the test. A well-functioning system can mean the difference between a thriving, green landscape and a patchy, stressed property. Commercial landscapes face high expectations—not only in appearance but in water use efficiency and sustainability. At OneSource Property Maintenance, we specialize in designing, maintaining, and optimizing irrigation systems that perform under pressure. Here’s what every property manager should know to ensure their irrigation system is truly beating the heat.

Why Summer Demands Smarter Irrigation

Summer heat accelerates evaporation, dries out soil quickly, and places significant stress on plant material. During peak heat, traditional irrigation systems often fail to keep up, especially if they rely on outdated schedules or have gone unchecked for months.

Smart irrigation strategies adapt to changing weather, plant needs, and soil conditions in real time. They reduce water waste, avoid overwatering, and help sustain plant health through prolonged dry spells. Without these efficiencies, you risk not only a diminished appearance but increased water bills, repair costs, and tenant dissatisfaction.

Signs Your Irrigation System May Be Falling Behind

• Dry spots or over-saturated zones
• Pools of standing water or runoff
• Unusual spikes in your water bill
• Wilting or yellowing plants despite regular watering
• Visible leaks, broken heads, or misaligned zones
• Watering during rain or at inappropriate times of day

These symptoms point to system inefficiencies that, left unaddressed, can undermine landscape health and increase operating expenses.

Components of a Heat-Ready Irrigation System

1. Smart Controllers
Smart controllers use local weather data, evapotranspiration (ET) rates, and soil moisture information to automatically adjust watering times and durations. During heatwaves, they can respond by increasing water delivery when needed or scaling back when conditions improve.

2. Soil Moisture Sensors
Sensors installed in the ground monitor how much water is actually reaching the plant’s root zone. This real-time data prevents overwatering and ensures that moisture penetrates deep into the soil where it’s needed most.

3. Drip Irrigation Zones
Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the base of plants. This minimizes evaporation and water waste—ideal for shrubs, beds, and landscaped islands that may dry out faster.

4. High-Efficiency Spray Nozzles and Heads
Modern nozzles distribute water more evenly and reduce misting, which is prone to drift or evaporation in high temperatures. Matched precipitation rates ensure consistent coverage across each zone.

5. Flow Meters and Leak Detection
Installing flow sensors helps track usage and detect leaks automatically. Systems that shut off individual zones when leaks are found can prevent water loss and protect property infrastructure.

Best Practices for Mid-Summer Irrigation Performance

1. Early Morning Watering
Watering between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. is ideal, as temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter. This allows water to reach plant roots before it evaporates.

2. Deep and Infrequent Watering
Encouraging deep root growth is vital in hot weather. Watering deeply but less often strengthens plants and reduces heat-related stress.

3. Zoned Irrigation Based on Plant Type
Different plants have different water needs. Turf, shrubs, and seasonal beds should be zoned separately to avoid over- or under-watering specific areas.

4. Regular System Inspections
At OneSource, we perform mid-season inspections that include checking valves, heads, sensors, and timers. We also look for pressure issues, clogs, and misaligned heads that may reduce system performance.

5. Adjusting Schedules for Weather and Plant Cycles
Summer weather patterns can vary. Weekly adjustments based on conditions—especially during heat waves—keep water use efficient and effective.

Benefits of an Optimized Irrigation System

An efficient irrigation system offers more than healthy turf. Benefits include:

• Lower water bills from reduced waste
• Fewer maintenance issues from leaks and erosion
• Longer lifespan of irrigation components
• Better plant health and resilience
• Compliance with local water-use ordinances
• Enhanced curb appeal and property image

For commercial properties, these outcomes support tenant satisfaction, reduce liability, and reflect well on your brand.

How OneSource Can Help

Our team of licensed irrigation specialists provides complete system evaluations, maintenance, and upgrades. Services include:

• Comprehensive irrigation audits
• Smart controller programming and installation
• Sensor and drip system integration
• Leak detection and repair
• Water use reporting and compliance tracking
• Seasonal adjustments and ongoing support

We design irrigation systems that work in harmony with your landscape layout, plant selection, and water use goals. Whether retrofitting an existing system or starting fresh, our focus is efficiency, durability, and performance under extreme conditions.

Planning for Long-Term Water Management

Beat-the-heat strategies should be part of a broader water management plan. OneSource helps clients develop multi-year irrigation goals that align with sustainability initiatives and budgeting cycles.

This might include:

• Converting turf to xeriscaping or native plantings
• Installing centralized irrigation control platforms
• Integrating rainwater harvesting systems
• Tracking water usage year-over-year for improvement analysis

With rising utility costs and increasing pressure to conserve resources, now is the time to invest in a smarter, more resilient irrigation strategy.

Schedule an Irrigation Performance Review

If your landscape isn’t holding up in the heat, your irrigation system may be due for a checkup. Don’t wait until plants are showing stress or your water bill spikes.

Call OneSource today at (801) 599-0319 or contact us now to schedule an irrigation system evaluation. Let us help your property thrive—no matter how hot it gets.