Arizona Seasonal Watering Guide
In the Phoenix area, water deeply and infrequently, and change your schedule with the seasons. AMWUA's simplified guidelines suggest desert-adapted trees and shrubs need about 2 days a month from spring through fall and 1 day a month in winter, while Bermuda grass needs about 2 days a week in summer.
What is the seasonal watering schedule for Phoenix-area landscapes?
| Plant type | Spring Mar–Apr | Summer May–Sep | Fall Oct–Nov | Winter Dec–Feb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert-adapted trees & shrubs | 2 days/month | 2 days/month | 2 days/month | 1 day/month |
| High-water-use trees & shrubs | 1 day/week | 1 day/week | 1 day/week | 2 days/month |
| Warm-season grass (Bermuda) | 1 day/week | 2 days/week | 1 day/week | 1 day/month |
| Cacti & succulents | 1 day/month | 2 days/month | 1 day/month | If needed |
Source: AMWUA, Watering. These are starting points for established plants. Adjust for weather, soil, sun and plant stress.
How often should I water in summer in Phoenix?
AMWUA's simplified guidelines (summer = May–Sep) suggest desert-adapted trees and shrubs about 2 days a month, high-water-use trees and shrubs 1 day a week, Bermuda grass 2 days a week, and cacti and succulents 2 days a month (AMWUA).
How often should I water in winter?
Much less. AMWUA suggests desert-adapted trees and shrubs about 1 day a month in winter (Dec–Feb), Bermuda grass 1 day a month while dormant, and cacti and succulents only if needed (AMWUA).
How deep should I water?
Water to the outer edge of the plant's canopy. The City of Phoenix guidelines list depths of about 24–36 inches for trees, 18–24 inches for shrubs and 8–12 inches for groundcovers and grass (City of Phoenix, PDF).
How long should drip run?
Longer than most people think. The City of Phoenix notes drip run times are typically two hours or more per watering (PDF).
Do new plants need more water?
Yes. UA Cooperative Extension intervals for newly planted desert-adapted plants start at every 1–2 days in summer for the first two weeks, then stretch out over about eight weeks (UA Extension, PDF).
What time of day should I water?
Early morning or evening. AMWUA advises avoiding watering from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (AMWUA).
What about monsoon season?
After heavy storms, skip a watering. UA Extension guidance suggests skipping the next interval after a half inch or more of rain (PDF). Then check for heads and drip lines knocked loose by wind and debris.
Where can I get more help?
- Water – Use It Wisely: interactive watering guides and Landscape Watering by the Numbers
- AMWUA: seasonal watering guidelines
- City of Phoenix: Landscape Watering Guidelines (PDF)
- Scottsdale Water: rebates and the WaterSmart portal
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: watering intervals for desert-adapted plants (PDF)
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Last reviewed 2026-10-28 by John Botello, owner.