Save Water Outdoors

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Healthy landscapes in Carrollton start with understanding our soil, choosing the right plants, and watering efficiently. With a few smart adjustments, landscapes can stay green and resilient while using less water.

Start with Smart Landscaping

Keep plants healthy by watering slowly and choosing plants suited to North Texas' clay soil.

What to Know About Carrollton’s Clay Soil

Carrollton sits on Blackland Prairie clay soil. This soil holds water well once it absorbs it, which is good news. The challenge is that clay absorbs water very slowly. When watered too quickly, it cannot soak in fast enough and water runs off into the street instead of reaching plant roots.

Clay soil also becomes compacted easily, limiting air and water movement. Adding organic matter to planting beds helps break up the clay and improve drainage and root health. Fall and winter are ideal times to amend soil so it is ready for spring growth.

To help landscapes thrive in clay soil:

Water slowly so the soil has time to absorb moisture
Break watering into shorter cycles instead of one long run time
Add compost or organic matter to planting beds to improve soil structure
Choose plants that grow well in North Texas clay soils

Choose Native and Adapted Plants

Texas weather can be harsh. Native and adapted plants are better suited to handle heat and drought while requiring less supplemental watering.

For plant recommendations, visit Texas SmartScape or explore Carrollton’s native plant gardens at:

Josey Ranch Library and Senior Center
Don Cline Pump Station
Bobby Ballard Pump Station

Using the right plants reduces long term water demand and improves landscape success.

Water Your Lawn Efficiently

When is the best time to water my lawn?

How often should I water my lawn?

How do I stop my sprinklers from wasting water?

Water that runs into the street never reaches the lawn, which means higher water bills and wasted water.

Sprinkler runoff occurs when water is applied faster than soil can absorb it. This often happens with clay soils or when irrigation systems run too long.

Watering in shorter cycles, allowing time for the soil to absorb water between cycles, and maintaining irrigation systems can help prevent runoff and reduce water waste.

Water Smarter with the Cycle Soak Method

Because clay absorbs water slowly, irrigation should be applied in short cycles instead of one long run time. Instead of running a zone for 15 to 20 minutes straight, break it into shorter cycles:

Two cycles of 7 to 10 minutes, or
Three cycles of 5 to 7 minutes

Wait 30 to 60 minutes between cycles. This allows water to soak deeply into the soil before more is applied.

Deep watering encourages strong root growth and reduces the need to irrigate again for three to five days, depending on weather conditions.

Most irrigation controllers can be programmed to run multiple start times to achieve this method.

Improve Your Irrigation System

Small adjustments to irrigation systems can improve efficiency and reduce water waste.

Controller

The controller is the system’s “brain,” typically located in the garage. It determines when and how long each zone runs. Regularly check the system to ensure there are no leaks or broken components wasting water.

Smart irrigation controllers automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions such as rainfall and temperature. These systems help apply only the amount of water needed to maintain healthy plants.

Zones and Valves

Sprinkler systems are divided into zones. Getting familiar with each zone helps ensure proper coverage and prevents overwatering.

Each zone has its own water requirements based on plant materials (turf versus planting beds), degree of slope, and which direction that side of the house faces (north, south, east or west).

Many irrigation controllers can easily be programmed to automatically run the Cycle Soak Method for all of your irrigation zones.

If you have trouble, just call the manufacturer and usually they will have a customer service representative who can help you.

Upgrade to Water Efficient Nozzles

Traditional spray nozzles produce a fine mist that is easily lost to wind and evaporation. They can also cause runoff and overspray onto sidewalks and driveways.

High efficiency rotating nozzles apply water in small streams with larger droplets that are less likely to drift. On windy days, they can deliver significantly more water to the intended area compared to older spray nozzles.

Replacing spray nozzles with rotating models can save thousands of gallons of water over time. Most major irrigation manufacturers offer rotating nozzles that fit existing spray bodies, making them an easy retrofit option.

Water Stewardship

Efficient watering protects plants, reduces runoff, and lowers water bills. By improving soil health, choosing appropriate plants, using the Cycle Soak Method, and upgrading irrigation components, landscapes in Carrollton can thrive while conserving water.

In a place where summer routinely feels like the surface of Mercury, working with the soil instead of fighting it is not just practical. It's strategic.

Related Water Resources

City of Carrollton
Environmental Services
1945 E. Jackson Rd.
Carrollton, TX 75006
972-466-3035
Email Environmental Services

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday: 7:30-11:30 a.m.

City of Carrollton, TX