As spring arrives in Steamboat Springs and yards begin to green up after a dry winter, many homeowners start asking the same question: when is it time to turn the sprinklers back on? Watering too early, too often or at the wrong time of day can waste water and harm lawns, trees and gardens, while a smart seasonal approach can keep landscapes healthy all summer long. 

To help break it down, Todd Hagenbuch, director and extension specialist with the Colorado State University Extension office in Steamboat, shares expert advice on when to start watering, how schedules should change through the season and the best ways to conserve water while keeping the yard thriving.

Steamboat Magazine: When should homeowners in Steamboat Springs begin watering, and what should they keep in mind early in the season?

Todd Hagenbuch: The City of Steamboat Springs is asking us not to water for several more weeks due to not knowing exactly what our water reserves are going to be long-term. So we’re having to balance the plant’s needs with the needs of the overall water system.

SM: How should watering schedules change from spring to early summer and then into late summer?

TH: People need to remember that all of their plants, whether that is their native perennials or grass, etcetera, can do fairly well completing their lifecycle and going into dormancy when it gets hot. Most plants will be able to call on their reserves, go into dormancy over the summer and then regreen up in the fall when it gets cool again. Then we can give them additional water, not only to promote completion of their life cycle, but to make sure their roots store the carbohydrates they need in order to go into winter dormancy successfully, so that they can survive what I hope will be a harsher winter. 

SM: What is the best time of day to water, and why does timing matter?

TH: It's all about the evaporation of the water. So we want to water late in the evening, 8 p.m. or later. Early in the morning, think prior to or right at sun-up because we want to minimize the evaporation and we want to maximize the amount of water that's going into the ground. Some people worry about fungal issues, but in our dry climate it's not something you have to worry about. If you do have fungal issues, you're overwatering by a significant amount. 

SM: How does Steamboat’s climate, elevation and yearly moisture conditions affect watering recommendations?

TH: Generally, because this is a high altitude, very dry, arid climate, with intense sun all year-round, people need to pay attention to the individual plants and what their water needs are. One of the reasons the city asks people to hand water in times of drought is because we’re then paying more attention to each portion of our landscape. 

SM: What simple advice would you give homeowners for smart watering all season long?