How to Adjust Your Irrigation Schedule for Fall Weather in Waco

As summer fades and fall arrives, Central Texas weather begins to cool—but your lawn and landscape still need consistent moisture. The key is finding the right balance. Overwatering during the fall months can promote fungal growth and waste water, while underwatering can stress your grass and roots before winter dormancy. At Waco Landscapes & Irrigation, we help homeowners fine-tune their irrigation systems to match the season and maintain optimal plant health year-round.

Understanding Waco’s Fall Climate

Waco’s fall season typically brings cooler mornings, mild afternoons, and less evaporation compared to the hot summer months. However, rainfall can be unpredictable. These shifts mean your landscape doesn’t need the same irrigation frequency it did during summer. Most lawns benefit from watering two to three times a week rather than daily, with deeper, less frequent cycles promoting stronger root systems.

Step 1: Adjust Watering Frequency and Duration

Start by reducing your watering days by 20–30% compared to summer levels. Instead of short, frequent sessions, focus on deeper watering cycles that reach 6–8 inches into the soil. This encourages roots to grow downward and better withstand cold weather. Use a screwdriver or soil probe to test moisture depth and adjust accordingly.

Step 2: Reprogram Your Irrigation Controller

Modern irrigation systems allow easy seasonal adjustments. Update your controller settings to reduce run times and days per week. Many systems include a “seasonal adjust” or “percentage” feature—set this between 60–80% during fall months. For smart irrigation systems, use the weather-based programming feature that automatically adapts watering schedules to current conditions in Waco.

Step 3: Focus on Early Morning Watering

Watering between 5:00 and 9:00 AM is ideal. This minimizes evaporation, allows plants to absorb moisture before the day warms up, and prevents fungal issues that occur when lawns stay wet overnight. If you use automatic timers, confirm they’re still set correctly after any daylight savings changes.

Step 4: Inspect and Maintain Your System

Fall is the perfect time to perform routine irrigation maintenance. Check for leaks, clogged emitters, or broken sprinkler heads that waste water. Ensure spray patterns are adjusted to avoid overspray onto sidewalks or driveways. Waco Landscapes & Irrigation offers seasonal inspections to ensure every zone performs efficiently and evenly.

Step 5: Monitor Rainfall and Turn Off When Not Needed

With Texas weather being unpredictable, it’s important to monitor rainfall totals. A simple rain sensor can automatically shut off your system during or after storms, saving water and preventing soggy soil conditions. Our team can install or calibrate rain and soil moisture sensors for precise water management year-round.

Step 6: Prepare for Winterization

Though Waco doesn’t experience harsh freezes like northern states, occasional cold snaps can still damage irrigation components. Before winter arrives, drain any above-ground lines and insulate exposed valves. For complex systems, professional winterization ensures pipes and backflow devices are fully protected.

Why Seasonal Adjustments Matter

Proper irrigation scheduling not only keeps your landscape healthy but also reduces utility costs and supports local water conservation efforts. Adjusting your watering habits just twice a year can save hundreds of gallons of water—and help your lawn recover faster in spring.

Optimize Your System with Waco Landscapes & Irrigation

At Waco Landscapes & Irrigation, we provide expert irrigation design, seasonal maintenance, and system upgrades to ensure your lawn thrives year-round. Our licensed technicians use smart technology and proven water management strategies to maximize efficiency and protect your investment. Contact Waco Landscapes & Irrigation today to schedule your fall irrigation adjustment and keep your landscape thriving through the season.