Do Your Sprinkler Zones Still Make Sense? Late Summer Is the Ideal Time to Rethink Irrigation Layout

A healthy lawn isn’t just about having water—it’s about delivering the right amount of water to the right places. If your current sprinkler system is struggling to keep up with uneven growth, runoff, or dry patches, the problem may not be the components—it may be the layout. Late summer is an ideal time to evaluate whether your irrigation zones are still serving your landscape effectively, or whether it’s time for a strategic redesign.

Your Current Zones May Be Outdated

Your sprinkler system may be running on schedule, but if you’ve noticed uneven lawn color, dry edges, or overwatered flower beds, your zone layout might not be working as efficiently as it could. Over time, landscapes evolve, plant needs change, and watering habits shift—yet many irrigation systems remain locked into outdated or poorly configured zones. Late summer is the perfect time to step back and evaluate whether your current irrigation setup still fits the way your property functions today.

Irrigation Layout Matters in Utah’s Climate

Utah’s climate puts significant pressure on sprinkler performance. With high temperatures, variable soil types, and growing restrictions on water use, an efficient irrigation system needs more than just functional heads and clean valves—it needs a smart layout. Zones that were once appropriate might now be mismatched, leading to inconsistent coverage, wasted water, and underperforming turf. If you’re running the same program on grass, shrubs, and ground cover all in one zone, you’re likely overwatering some areas and starving others. Reconfiguring zones can create more targeted watering schedules and better results with less waste.

Late Summer Shows You Where Your System Falls Short

Late summer provides a unique opportunity to evaluate how each section of your property responds to watering. By now, any underperforming areas have likely revealed themselves through patchy growth or run-off issues. These indicators make it easier to assess where zoning improvements can have the most impact. If you’ve added new landscaping, replaced sod, or changed the layout of your beds, your old zones may not align with your current needs. Even subtle shifts in sun exposure or soil compaction can impact how well a zone performs. When irrigation zones no longer match the design of the property, efficiency suffers.

A Professional Zone Assessment Improves Results

Having a professional reassess your sprinkler zone layout now positions you for better results going forward. A technician can perform pressure testing, coverage mapping, and flow rate analysis to ensure every zone is grouped logically by plant type, sun exposure, and soil needs. Rethinking layout doesn’t always mean a full system overhaul—it might be as simple as adding a valve, adjusting spray patterns, or repositioning heads for better reach. These refinements can dramatically reduce water use and improve plant health without changing your entire system. By acting in late summer, you give yourself time to plan and schedule changes before cooler weather or early frost interferes.

Bonneville Sprinkling helps Utah homeowners and property managers get the most from their irrigation systems. Whether you’re experiencing coverage issues or planning a full zone redesign, our team uses data-driven methods to optimize your system’s layout and improve its long-term performance. Reach out today to schedule a zone assessment and take the first step toward smarter irrigation.