Slope Runoff
Slopes can waste a surprising amount of irrigation water. If too much water is applied at once, it can run downhill before it has time to soak in—leaving plants at the top under-watered and plants at the bottom over-watered.
Water runs to the bottom of the slope, where it percolates into the soil. The top stays dry, the bottom stays wet, and extra water may end up in the street, driveway, or wherever the slope drains.
The fix: water in shorter cycles
You can greatly reduce runoff by dividing your watering time into multiple shorter cycles with breaks in between. This gives water time to soak in before the next cycle starts.
Example schedule
Instead of watering for 10 minutes straight, water in cycles such as:
- 3 minutes on
- 20–60 minutes off (soak time)
- Repeat until you reach the total run time you need
Program your controller to repeat cycles and finish the full watering within a few hours.
Why cycle watering helps
- Better distribution: more water reaches the upper slope instead of racing downhill.
- Deeper roots: improved root depth increases water and nutrient storage capacity.
- Less frequent watering: healthier root systems typically mean you can irrigate less often.
- Better slope stability: larger root systems can help hold soil in place.
