Is Irrigation Season Over—or Are There New Opportunities?

As summer winds down and fall approaches, it’s easy for property managers to shift focus away from irrigation. But this is exactly when landscape professionals can help clients begin smart irrigation planning. From avoiding costly mistakes to upgrading outdated systems and securing next year’s service contracts, now is the time to act—before irrigation issues fade from memory or the spring rush hits.

Common Irrigation Issues We See Every Year

Even well-maintained properties can suffer from irrigation missteps. Here are some of the most frequent (and expensive) errors—and how to address them:

• Overwatering shaded areas while underwatering sun-exposed zones, leading to plant stress and wasted water.

• Improper sprinkler head placement, causing runoff, dry patches, or overspray onto hardscapes.

• Ignoring water pressure and flow rates, resulting in uneven coverage and system strain.

• Poor coverage—“dry spots” and “soggy spots” often stem from misaligned heads or clogged nozzles.

• Outdated controllers that don’t adjust for weather or seasonal changes.

• Skipped maintenance—a small leak today becomes a major water bill tomorrow.

• No seasonal adjustments—running summer schedules in cooler months wastes water and money.

• Increased repair and maintenance costs due to aging systems—neglected systems without modern leak detection or flow monitoring can leak thousands of gallons before issues are noticed. Leak-related damage can lead to costly repairs to pipes, valves, controllers, and landscape areas.

Opportunities to Upgrade Before Next Season

Fall and winter are ideal for planning upgrades that can be completed off-season and support a smooth spring startup. Recommend these improvements to your clients:

• Smart Controllers: Weather-based systems adjust watering automatically and can save up to 30% on water usage.

• Drip Irrigation: Ideal for plant beds and shaded zones, delivering water directly to the root zone with minimal waste.

• Zoning Enhancements: Separating turf from shrubs and trees allows for tailored watering schedules and healthier landscapes.

• High-Efficiency Nozzles & Drip Systems: Provide more precise watering for lawns, shrubs, and groundcover.

• Pressure Regulation: Ensures sprinklers run at optimal pressure, reducing misting and runoff.

• Flow Sensors & Pressure Regulators: Detect leaks early and alert clients to underground issues before they become costly.

  
  

A few smart upgrades can make your client’s system more efficient, conserve water, and extend its lifespan. What better time to review water bills than at the end of summer, when usage peaks? These improvements often pay for themselves quickly through lower bills and healthier landscapes.

Why “Not-to-Exceed” Contracts Make Sense Now

Fall is also the best time to secure irrigation service agreements for the coming year. “Not-to-exceed” contracts offer:

• Monthly recurring revenue—shift from reactive to proactive irrigation management.

• Budget certainty—basic repairs are covered, with minimal delays and fewer surprises.

• Locked-in pricing—avoid labor rate increases with set hourly rates.

• Priority scheduling—clients receive first access to spring inspections, startups, and repairs.

• Peace of mind—consistent inspections and timely repairs ensure a better landscape during peak season.

By planning ahead, you create recurring revenue for your organization and start the next irrigation season with a full backlog.

Don’t Wait Until Spring

Before irrigation becomes “out of sight, out of mind,” take time to talk with your clients about winter upgrades and “Not-to-Exceed” service agreements. As a landscape irrigation professional, proactive planning and coordination can lead to stronger client relationships and improved landscape quality.