Native plant Knowledge Base

FNPS staff members periodically write about topics of interest to native plant gardeners on the Colorado Plateau. Check back frequently for new postings.

Irrigating Plants on the Colorado Plateau

Green / Sustainable Irrigation Systems

You can achieve tremendous savings in labor, materials and water using this method. It requires a reevaluation of how we landscape our urban lands and a commitment to landscape restoration with native plants. You can save water by...

  • Using site-appropriate native plants
  • Planting during seasons when rain is likely or when water needs are lower.
  • Supplementing water for plant establishment only when necessary and using temporary automatic delivery systems.
  • Implementing a landscape that emphasizes shade trees and ground cover with native grasses and shrubs.

Recommendations. Consult with a native plant specialist to determine what plants are best suited to your location.

  • Look for plants that have been grown from locally collected seeds and cuttings.
  • Plant trees and shrubs from the onset of monsoon season through the mid fall (early October)
  • Plant perennial flowers and grasses from the onset of monsoon season through early fall (mid September.)
  • Provide supplemental irrigation manually or through a surface drip line attached to your hose bib. These lines can be removed once plants are established.
  • Use automatic surface systems only when necessary and reprogram them for changing seasons.
  • Follow our watering guidelines.

Conventional Irrigation Systems

For years, automatic, in-ground irrigation systems delivering water from sprinklers or drip emitters have been the norm. These systems require a great deal of material and labor to install and, unfortunately, have a tendency to waste tremendous amounts of water. Water is wasted when:

  • Water loving, non-native, inappropriate plants are chosen for a landscape because it’s so easy to deliver water from the system.
  • The systems are not reprogrammed for changing seasons or conditions such as rainy weather.
  • The systems are not maintained and repaired. For example, leaking valves or emitters continue to drip even after a plant has died or been removed.

Recommendations. For those who have an existing system or want the convenience such a system:

  • Continue to select native, drought-tolerant plants.
  • Plug emitters of established native plants, plants that have matured beyond the watered delivery area, or plants that have failed and not been replaced.
  • Have the system inspected and repaired annually.
  • Turn the system off during rainy periods.
  • Follow our programming guidelines.

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