By Gail Dugelby. Weeds and winter grass are thick and plants are reemerging and blooming. But that doesn’t mean it’s time for full-scale watering.

With recent showers, flowers and the first warm days of the year we’re seeing all the familiar indicators of spring in Central Texas. Your yard may be looking like spring is here too.

Weeds and winter grass are thick and plants are reemerging and blooming. But just because it’s warm doesn’t mean you should water in March like you did last summer in July and August. If you’re watering with automatic irrigation you can definitely keep the seasonal adjust set to 50% in March — about half the amount of water you’d use in summer.

Here’s one reason why. A standard no-frills sprinkler system can use 8,600 gallons in a month. So, just turning on the sprinklers in spring can double or even triple a typical water bill. And despite an El Niño pattern that brought the gift of rain, we’re still in a drought and the aquifer remains at low levels going into our third year of Stage 2 watering rules.

So how much should you water in spring versus summer? A free irrigation consultation can provide the answer to that question. One of our conservation consultants will come to your home and run through your irrigation system. They’ll check the settings, look for leaks and document any maintenance issues in need of repair. With your permission, they’ll make any adjustments you need to save water and stay within Stage 2 watering rules.

They can also offer sensible efficiency upgrades to save you water and money, including irrigation design rebates for master valves, pressure-reducing heads, removing unnecessary sections and — for the biggest savings — retiring the entire system.

If removing your irrigation system sounds daunting, rest assured it’s not. We have great rebates and coupons to easily transform your landscape into a beautiful, water-saving outdoor haven. Imagine less grass, more native and drought tolerant plants and a functional outdoor living space.

Everything has a beginning. Spring is a beginning. Your yard’s makeover journey begins with a free irrigation consultation. Give us a call at 210-704-SAVE to take the first step in your water conservation journey.

Visit GardenStyleSA.com to learn more about our programs, rebates and for landscaping tips to keep your yard thriving — even in drought.

By Gail Dugelby, SAWS Conservation Consultant with deep roots in San Antonio and the Hill Country. She spent her youth climbing trees, playing in the Guadalupe River, and exploring the outdoors. This drives her passion for nature and our diverse environment, especially our most precious natural resource — water. Given the choice, she would be outside all the time.