Use a Lawn Runoff Test to Avoid Costly Watering

Use the lawn runoff test to gauge ideal watering conditions. This test can be conducted manually or by the use of the controller. Both tests should start with dry soil so do not conduct after a storm or after watering. Additionally, each zone should be run separately.

Manual Method

1. Start by running the zone you want to test.
2. Observe how long it takes to see puddle or lawn runoff from the zone.
3. The above time is the max you can run the zone before you are just wasting water.

Controller Method

1. Start the zone you want to test and let it run until it turns off.
2. Inspect for puddles and lawn runoff at that zone.
3. Zone time needs to be reduced if you see puddles or lawn runoff.

Note: Adding an additional cycle may be more efficient to avoid over or under watering if plants are not evenly watered within the zone.

Points to Keep in Mind:

• Drastic changes may create other problems so make minor adjustments. It may take a few weeks to fine tune your watering schedule.
• The goal is to have no lawn runoff or puddles while the soil in each zone remains slightly moist in between watering.