California lawn care

Measure California irrigation delivery and runoff separately

UC’s lawn-irrigation guidance separates turf water needs from the time a site can absorb water before runoff. Soil, slope and grass affect that decision. The three existing plans below cover different grasses; none supplies one timer setting for all of California.

The grass present

Keep the grass identity and note coastal, inland or higher-elevation conditions. An existing lawn is not proof that its grass fits every California site.

Start a useful lawn record

The water delivered

Use catch readings to compare wet and dry areas. A longer run gives additional water to both, so inspect poor coverage first.

Audit distribution before buying a controller

Runoff during watering

Record where water leaves the turf and when it begins. Check current local restrictions and follow an appropriate site-specific schedule.

Trace water entering and leaving the area

UC IPM: Scheduling lawn irrigation · Open the practical field guide