Have you ever noticed water running down the street while your sprinkler system is still on? If so, your lawn may not be getting as much water as you think.
When sprinklers apply water faster than the soil can absorb it, the excess flows onto sidewalks, driveways, and streets. This is called runoff, and it wastes water while carrying fertilizer, pet waste, and other pollutants into nearby storm drains and waterways.
Fortunately, there's an easy solution called the “cycle and soak” method.
Sprinkler spraying water on grass and street
What Is Cycle and Soak?
Instead of watering your lawn all at once, cycle and soak divides your total watering time into two or three shorter cycles with a break between each one. During the break, the water has time to soak into the soil before the next cycle begins. This allows more water to reach the grass roots, where it is needed most, instead of running off into the street.
Sprinkler spraying in the grass
Why Is it Recommended?
Many lawns in The Woodlands have compacted soil or gentle slopes that make it difficult for water to soak in quickly. During irrigation, sprinkler heads may apply water faster than the ground can absorb it, causing water to run onto sidewalks, driveways, and streets instead of soaking into the soil.
Street with water along the curb
How to Use the Cycle and Soak Method
Start by determining how long your irrigation zone normally runs.
For example, instead of watering one zone for 20 minutes, divide it into shorter cycles:
If runoff still occurs, divide the watering into three shorter cycles instead.
Many modern irrigation controllers include a cycle and soak feature that automatically manages these watering intervals. If your controller doesn't offer this setting, you can manually program multiple start times to achieve the same result.
Sprinklers spraying in a lawn
Pair It with the One-Inch Rule
Most established lawns in The Woodlands need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall, during the growing season. Rather than watering every day, water deeply and less often. This encourages deeper roots, making your lawn more resilient during hot Texas summers. Using a sprinkler gauge or even a few tuna cans placed around the yard can help determine how long your irrigation system needs to apply one inch of water.
Rain gauge in the grass
Build a Stronger Lawn from the Ground Up
By giving water time to soak into the soil, you'll waste less, reduce runoff, and help your lawn develop deeper, healthier roots. It's a simple adjustment that benefits both your landscape and our local waterways.
For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.