Best Watering Practices During Arizona Summers
Summers in Arizona aren’t just hot; they’re extreme. While the sun-soaked days may be perfect for lounging poolside, they’re far less friendly to your backyard plants. With temperatures often soaring past 100°F, knowing how to water wisely isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
If you've ever questioned whether you're giving your landscape the hydration it needs, or maybe too much, this guide breaks down the best watering practices to help your Arizona backyard plants not just survive, but thrive.
1. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
One of the biggest mistakes we see in summer landscaping is shallow, frequent watering. In a desert climate like Arizona’s, this approach causes water to evaporate quickly, leaving roots thirsty and plants stressed. Instead, aim for deep watering, which encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where it's cooler and moister.
Use a soil probe or even a long screwdriver to measure how deeply water is penetrating after each session.
Here’s a quick guide to how deep you should be watering:
- Trees: 2 to 3 feet
- Shrubs: 1 to 2 feet
- Groundcovers, annuals, and cacti: 6 to 12 inches
- Lawns: 6 to 10 inches
2. Time It Right: Water in the Early Morning
Arizona mornings are magical, and not just for sipping coffee on the patio. The window between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. is prime time for watering. At this hour, temperatures are cooler, winds are calm, and evaporation is minimal. Your plants will have a chance to absorb water before the desert sun heats the soil.
Bonus: Morning watering also reduces the risk of fungal growth, which can thrive in damp evening conditions.
3. Let Your Soil Talk to You
Don’t guess, monitor. With the right tools, like soil moisture sensors placed at different depths, you can accurately track how moist or dry your soil is. These sensors are especially helpful when paired with local weather data to adjust your watering schedule as conditions change. This smart watering approach is great for avoiding the two big summer mistakes: overwatering and underwatering.
4. Know Your Plants’ Needs
Not all plants are created equal, and they certainly don’t drink the same amount of water. Newly planted trees and shrubs may need more frequent watering until they establish roots, while mature desert natives can handle longer dry spells.
Here are a few Arizona all-stars to consider:
- Succulents and Cacti: Agave, aloe, prickly pear
- Desert Trees: Mesquite, palo verde, hopbush, creosote
- Flowers: Cosmos, desert marigold, Gaillardia, Mexican sunflower
- Groundcovers: Damianita, blue euphorbia, lantana
- Vines: Bougainvillea (a summer favorite for vibrant color)
- Warm-Season Vegetables: Asparagus, basil, kale, parsley
For a more detailed look at how to tailor your watering to specific plant types, check out our Watering Guide for Arizona Plants.
5. Mulch is Your Summer MVP
If we had to pick one tool that does the most for your landscape during summer, it might be mulch. A well-mulched garden bed can reduce water loss by up to 70 percent, which is a game-changer in Arizona heat.
Benefits of Mulching in the Desert:
- Moisture retention: Keeps water in the soil longer
- Temperature regulation: Insulates roots from heat
- Weed suppression: Blocks sunlight and reduces competition
- Water conservation: Less frequent watering needed
- Soil health: Organic mulch adds nutrients over time
6. Don’t Overdo It
It might feel counterintuitive, but more water isn’t always better. Overwatering can lead to root rot, promote fungal growth, and waste a precious resource. Instead:
- Water deeply and then give the soil time to dry out
- Adjust sprinkler systems to avoid pooling or runoff
- Use mulch to retain moisture longer
- Observe your plants; droopy or yellowing leaves may signal distress
7. Hold the Fertilizer
Summer heat already puts stress on your plants. Adding fertilizer during this time can make things worse. Fertilizer can burn roots or sit unused on the soil surface. Save the fertilizing for cooler months when plants are actively growing and can benefit from the added nutrients.
8. Minimize Pruning
Pruning is usually a great way to encourage growth, but not during a heatwave. In summer, plants need their foliage to protect themselves from intense sunlight and retain moisture.
What You Can Prune:
- Dead or damaged branches (any season)
- Fast-growing, drought-tolerant trees like palo verde or mesquite
- Light shaping, removing a small amount of foliage if necessary
What to Avoid:
- Major pruning of shrubs
- Heavy pruning of heat-sensitive trees like ficus or citrus
- Topping or lion’s tailing techniques
Final Thoughts
Summer in Arizona is intense, but with smart watering habits, a little planning, and attention to plant needs, your landscape can flourish through the hottest months of the year. Remember to listen to your soil, choose heat-tolerant plants, and when in doubt, it is better to scale back than overdo it.
At Wildflower Desert Design, we specialize in creating landscapes that embrace the beauty of the desert while staying vibrant all year long. Need help designing your Arizona dream yard? Contact us today!
Looking for more seasonal landscaping tips? Visit our blog for expert advice tailored to the Arizona desert.