By Blades of Glory Landscaping (Serving Boerne, San Antonio, Stone Oak, The Dominion, and surrounding areas)
Build a landscape that stays green without wasting water
In San Antonio, your irrigation system isn’t just a convenience—it’s one of the biggest factors in plant health, curb appeal, and long-term maintenance costs. The right installation helps you water within local rules, reduce runoff (a common violation), and protect your investment in sod, trees, and landscape beds. Done correctly, irrigation becomes a quiet “utility” that supports the whole property—without overwatering, dead patches, or surprise repairs.
Why irrigation installs fail in San Antonio (and how to avoid it)
1) Watering “like it’s not Texas”
Many systems are programmed like the weather is consistent. San Antonio’s temperature swings and dry spells demand seasonal adjustments. A clock-based schedule often leads to overwatering, runoff, fungus, and higher bills.
2) Poor zoning (mixing beds, turf, sun, and shade)
Turf needs different timing than drip beds. Shade zones need different runtimes than full-sun zones. When everything is tied together, you end up underwatering one area and drowning another.
3) Runoff and overspray
Local rules prohibit water waste, including runoff into streets. The fix is usually smarter head selection, correct pressure regulation, and “cycle-and-soak” scheduling—not longer runtimes.
4) Missing or neglected backflow protection
Irrigation systems typically require backflow prevention to protect the drinking-water supply from contamination. Installation is only half the story—testing and maintenance matter too.
San Antonio watering rules: design your system around reality
San Antonio’s watering allowances depend on the current drought stage. In non-drought “year-round” rules, sprinklers can run during specific morning/evening windows, while drought stages can limit sprinkler irrigation to once per week on a designated day. Drip irrigation may have different allowances depending on stage. Always confirm the current stage before programming seasonal runtimes. (saws.org)
| Situation | What it means for your irrigation install | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Year-round rules (no drought stage) | Sprinkler watering allowed in defined hours; water waste still prohibited. | Install matched precipitation heads, pressure regulation, and program “cycle-and-soak.” |
| Drought stages (Stage 1–4) | Sprinklers may be limited to once weekly; drip can have separate allowed days/times. | Zone by plant type and exposure; prioritize drip for beds; schedule within permitted hours. |
| New landscape establishment | New sod/plantings often need an approved plan/schedule to avoid water waste and protect the investment. | Ask about variances and proper scheduling. Install drip, root-watering, and smart control for new installs. |
For some new locations, SAWS requirements around irrigation plan approval and operational inspections can affect timelines, especially as programs evolve. Planning your irrigation early—before sod and planting—helps avoid delays and rework. (saws.org)
Step-by-step: what a professional irrigation installation should include
Pro tip: The fastest way to waste money on irrigation is to choose equipment first and design later. A good install starts with a plan: sun/shade mapping, soil notes, plant needs, and where runoff risk exists.
1) Site walkthrough + zone plan
We identify turf vs. beds, slope, drainage, sunny exposures, and high-traffic areas (like gate paths and driveway edges). Proper zoning is the difference between “green all year” and “constant patch repair.”
2) Head selection + spacing (coverage without misting)
Matched precipitation rate heads and correct spacing reduce dry spots and prevent the “fog” effect from high pressure. In windy conditions, low-angle nozzles can help keep water on target.
3) Drip irrigation where it belongs
Beds, shrubs, and many Texas natives typically perform better with drip—especially when you’re trying to stay compliant during drought stages. Drip also reduces weed growth by keeping water under mulch instead of spraying everywhere.
If you’re planning a low-water plant palette, our Texas native plants guide is a great starting point.
4) Backflow protection + documentation
Backflow prevention protects the public water supply. We recommend keeping your device information (model, install date, tester contact) in one place so annual service is simple to schedule.
Need help staying compliant? Learn about our backflow prevention services.
5) Smart control + seasonal programming
WaterSense-labeled irrigation controllers can significantly reduce overwatering when installed and programmed correctly. EPA notes meaningful annual household water savings compared to clock-based controllers. (epa.gov)
For homeowners, this usually shows up as fewer soggy areas, less fungus pressure, and a schedule that automatically adapts to weather changes—without you constantly chasing it.
6) Final walkthrough: run every zone, adjust every head
We test coverage, correct overspray, fine-tune arcs, check pressure, and review a simple “owner cheat sheet” for seasonal adjustments. This is where a good installation becomes a great one.
Looking for a full install or repair? Visit our irrigation services page.
Quick “Did you know?” facts (that can save you money)
Water waste enforcement is real: runoff into the street can trigger non-compliance charges—not just a warning. (saws.org)
Smart controllers aren’t “set-and-forget”: they work best when zones are built correctly (turf zones separate from beds) and the system is maintained. (epa.gov)
Drip can still waste water if it’s installed poorly or scheduled incorrectly—especially if it runs too long and saturates beyond the root zone. (saws.org)
Budget pressure is rising: SAWS has proposed multi-year rate increases, which makes efficient irrigation more valuable over time. (expressnews.com)
Local angle: what San Antonio landscapes need most
In neighborhoods like Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Rogers Ranch, Fair Oaks, and The Dominion, we see the same three priorities: consistent turf coverage, clean bed lines, and reliable seasonal maintenance. The best irrigation setups in this region usually share a similar blueprint:
Turf zones designed for “cycle-and-soak”
Instead of one long run, shorter cycles reduce runoff—especially on slopes and compacted soils common in newer builds.
Drip beds paired with mulch
Drip under mulch keeps moisture where roots need it and reduces evaporation. If you’re refreshing beds, our mulch calculator helps you estimate coverage quickly.
Hardscapes that don’t become “runoff ramps”
Patios, walkways, and edging change drainage. When you add hardscaping, irrigation should be adjusted (heads moved/converted, arcs tightened, runtimes updated). If you’re planning a new outdoor layout, our hardscaping services can be coordinated with irrigation so everything fits together cleanly.
If you’re establishing a new lawn, irrigation timing is just as important as sod quality. For installation support, see our San Antonio sod installation page.
Ready for an irrigation system that’s efficient, clean, and built to last?
Blades of Glory Landscaping installs and repairs irrigation systems for homes and commercial properties across San Antonio and nearby communities. We focus on smart zoning, runoff prevention, drip where it matters, and programming that respects local watering rules.
FAQ
How many zones do I need for a typical San Antonio yard?
Most properties need separate zones for (1) front turf, (2) back turf, (3) sunny beds, (4) shady beds, and (5) tree/root zones. The right number depends on plant types, sun exposure, and water pressure available at the home.
Do I need a smart controller for my irrigation system installation?
It’s not required, but it’s one of the best upgrades for water efficiency—especially when seasonal weather changes quickly. EPA notes notable annual water savings when replacing a standard clock-based controller with a WaterSense-labeled controller. (epa.gov)
What’s the most common cause of runoff and water waste?
Overwatering with long runtimes, poor head alignment, and incorrect pressure are the biggest culprits. Fixing runoff usually requires shorter cycles, better nozzles, and pressure regulation—not just “watering less.”
Can I water any day of the week in San Antonio?
It depends on the current SAWS drought stage. Year-round rules differ from drought restrictions, and drought stages can limit sprinkler watering to once per week on a designated day, with specific hours. Always confirm the current stage and follow the permitted windows. (saws.org)
How often should my irrigation system be checked?
At minimum: a quick monthly walkthrough (broken heads, tilted nozzles, soggy spots) and a seasonal check for programming changes. We also recommend periodic professional inspections for pressure issues, valve leaks, and controller optimization.
Glossary (helpful terms)
Backflow preventer: A safety device that helps stop irrigation water from flowing backward into the drinking-water supply.
Cycle-and-soak: A scheduling method that breaks watering into shorter cycles with rest time between to reduce runoff and improve absorption.
Matched precipitation rate (MPR): Sprinkler nozzles designed to apply water evenly, even when spray distances differ.
Drip irrigation: Low-flow irrigation that delivers water near plant roots, typically under mulch, minimizing evaporation and overspray.
WaterSense-labeled controller: An independently certified irrigation controller that uses weather and/or soil moisture data to improve watering efficiency. (epa.gov)
Serving San Antonio and nearby communities: San Antonio, Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Rogers Ranch, and The Dominion.
