May temperatures were relatively mild & the recent rains gave plants a great start for the summer season. Typically, water demand by plants is atits highest this month due to high temperatures & low humidity levels. Non-desert plants may wilt during the middle of the day no matter how much water they get.
These recommendations are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about 2 years).
Lawn watering:
Summer grass (Bermuda) - once every 3 days
Overseeded cool season grass (rye) - grass dies out
If trees & shrubs are on the same valve:
Desert-adapted - once every 14 days
High water use - once every 7 days
Tree watering:
Desert-adapted - once every 16 days
High water use - once every 8 days
Shrub watering:
Desert-adapted - once every 12 days
High water use - once every 5 days
Groundcover & vine watering:
Desert-adapted - once every 12 days
High water use - once every 4 days
Cacti & succulent watering - once every 21 days
Annual & vegetable watering - once every 2-3 days
**Reduce your landscape watering 30% to 50% by adjusting your irrigation timer each season.** "Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert" will help you determine how much water to apply & how long to run your system.
Bonus tip: Citrus fruit drop is common from May to July where young fruit (1" in diameter or smaller) fall from the tree due to a self-regulating mechanism. There is no cause for concern unless excessive. For other helpful gardening tips for June, visit the UofA Cooperative Extension site for more details.
Note: These recommendations are a general guideline only and may need tobe modified for your specific site conditions.