Smart irrigation controllers have become the standard across many commercial properties in Southern California—but installing one is only the first step. To truly benefit from water savings, plant health, and system efficiency, these powerful tools must be monitored and adjusted regularly.

At Stay Green, we often see well-intentioned properties lose out on savings simply because their smart controllers are set once and forgotten. These systems are designed to adjust watering based on real-time weather data, soil conditions, and plant needs—but like any tech, they require attention to perform at their best.

Best Practices for Smart Irrigation

Even with automation, smart controllers still need human oversight. Seasonal changes, microclimates, and plant maturity all impact how much water your landscape needs. We recommend revisiting settings monthly, especially during shoulder seasons like early summer and fall, when evapotranspiration rates fluctuate.

Key best practices include:

• Ensure that your controller is appropriately adjusting the runs for healthy plant material. Adjust run times based on current conditions – don’t rely solely on preset programs, you will still need to make adjustments to the programming as the needs to plant material changes.
• Use flow sensors and alerts to detect breaks or leaks.
• Utilize the automated alerts that are built into the systems
• Integrate rain and soil moisture sensors to avoid overwatering.
• Audit the system regularly to ensure heads are working, zones align with plant types, and nothing is obstructed.

Why Switch to Smart?

If your property is still using a conventional controller, now is the time to consider an upgrade. Smart controllers significantly reduce water waste, improve plant performance, and can lower your utility bills—especially during long, hot summers. In drought-prone regions like ours, they also help meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate environmental responsibility.

Stay Green: Your Smart Irrigation Partner

With over 50 years of landscape expertise in Southern California, Stay Green understands how to pair technology with horticultural know-how. Our teams are trained in all major smart controller platforms and can manage, monitor, and optimize your system year-round. Whether you need help fine-tuning existing equipment or want to explore a full upgrade, we’re ready to guide you.

Don’t let “smart” go to waste—make sure your system is working smarter for you.