Summers in Chandler can be brutal on landscapes, and strict watering laws add another challenge for homeowners striving to maintain lush, healthy yards. But with a bit of know-how and some water-wise strategies, you can keep your yard thriving all season while staying compliant with local regulations. Here’s how to conquer Chandler’s summer watering laws and enjoy a beautiful, efficient landscape.
Know Your Watering Days and Times
From May through September, Chandler limits outdoor watering to three assigned days per week based on your address. Even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while odd-numbered addresses are assigned Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. No watering is allowed on Mondays.
Watering is only permitted before 6 am or after 6 pm to minimize evaporation loss during the hottest part of the day. Set your irrigation timer accordingly and adjust the duration based on your plants’ needs and the current weather conditions. Overwatering not only wastes a precious resource but can also harm your lawn and plants.
If you have new landscaping or need to do essential yard work, you can apply for a special watering variance permit from the city. This allows for 30 days of extra watering to help new plants establish or accommodate specific maintenance needs.
Upgrade to Efficient Irrigation
One of the best ways to maximize your watering days is to invest in an efficient irrigation system. Traditional sprinklers can lose a lot of water to wind and evaporation, especially in Chandler’s arid climate. Consider switching to drip irrigation for your planting beds, which delivers water directly to the roots where it’s needed most.
For lawn areas, opt for low-flow rotary nozzles or subsurface irrigation systems that minimize overspray and runoff. These upgrades can significantly reduce your water use while keeping your yard healthy and lush. Plus, many come with smart controllers that automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions, so you don’t have to constantly fiddle with the settings.
If you’re not ready for a full system overhaul, make sure to regularly check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or misdirected spray patterns that can waste water and leave parts of your yard thirsty. A little maintenance goes a long way in boosting efficiency.
Embrace Desert-Friendly Landscaping
One of the easiest ways to thrive under Chandler’s summer watering laws is to choose plants that are naturally adapted to the Sonoran Desert climate. Native and desert-adapted plants have evolved to handle the intense heat and minimal rainfall, so they require less supplemental irrigation to look their best.
Swap out thirsty grass for low-water groundcovers like damianita, trailing rosemary, or Myoporum parvifolium. Replace water-hogging shrubs with vibrant desert perennials such as Angelita daisy, Blackfoot daisy, or desert marigold. And for statement plants, you can’t beat the sculptural forms of agave, yucca, or desert spoon.
By transitioning to a desert-friendly xeriscape, you’ll not only save water but also create a yard that’s uniquely adapted to Chandler’s climate. Your landscape will be more resilient to heat and drought, and you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance. As a bonus, you’ll create a haven for native birds, bees, and butterflies.
Mulch Like a Pro
Mulch is a desert gardener’s best friend, and it’s a simple way to stretch your watering days further. A 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or compost, helps the soil retain moisture, moderates temperature fluctuations, and suppresses water-stealing weeds.
For a more desert-authentic look, opt for inorganic mulches like decomposed granite or river rock. These materials help retain soil moisture while allowing water to percolate through to the roots. They also lend a clean, modern aesthetic that complements xeric plant palettes beautifully.
Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and shrubs to prevent rot and pest issues. And if you’re using rock mulch, consider placing a permeable landscape fabric underneath to prevent it from sinking into the soil over time.
Water Deeply and Infrequently
When you do water on your assigned days, aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow sprinklings. This encourages plants to develop deeper, more drought-resistant root systems that can better withstand the stress of Chandler summers.
For lawns, water until the soil is moist 6-8 inches down, then let it dry out a bit before watering again. Most grass types can handle this cycle, and it helps prevent fungal growth and shallow rooting. Use the screwdriver test to check soil moisture: if you can easily push a screwdriver into the turf, it’s time to water.
For trees, shrubs, and perennials, water deeply to saturate the entire root zone, then let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again. Depending on the plant and weather conditions, this could mean watering every 5-10 days. Use your finger to check soil moisture and adjust accordingly.
Catch Rainwater for a Backup Supply
While Chandler doesn’t get a ton of rainfall, the monsoon storms that roll through each summer can drop a significant amount of water in a short time. Why let all that precious H2O run down the storm drain when you could be using it to supplement your yard’s water needs?
Install rain barrels or a cistern system to collect roof runoff, then use it to hand-water thirsty plants or hook it up to a drip irrigation system. You can also create sunken rain gardens or swales in your yard to direct stormwater runoff to your plants instead of the street.
Even small-scale rainwater harvesting can make a big difference in reducing your reliance on city water and helping your yard weather the dry spells between storms. Plus, plants love the nitrogen boost that comes with natural rainwater!
Stay on Top of Yard Maintenance
Finally, a little proactive maintenance can go a long way in helping your yard thrive under Chandler’s summer watering laws. Regularly check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs, or misaligned heads, and repair them promptly to avoid wasting water.
Mow your lawn higher to encourage deeper roots and shade the soil, which reduces evaporation. Prune trees and shrubs judiciously to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, but avoid major cutbacks in the heat of summer. And be sure to clean up fallen leaves and debris to prevent them from smothering your plants or harboring pests.
With a little know-how and some desert-savvy strategies, you can keep your Chandler yard looking its best all summer long while being a responsible water steward. By working with nature and embracing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert, you’ll cultivate a landscape that doesn’t just survive, but positively thrives in the face of our sizzling summers and strict watering laws.
