Irrigation Audit & Water-Use Efficiency
Ever wonder why your neighbor’s yard always looks better than yours?
I had a customer in the Heights once—Mr. Ramirez—who asked me that exact question. He kept watering, mowing, doing all the “right” things. But his grass stayed patchy, especially near the driveway. He assumed it was the soil. But when we did an irrigation audit, the issue became clear—his sprinkler system was missing half the yard and overwatering the rest.
That’s the kind of thing most folks don’t catch until it’s too late. And that’s what an irrigation audit in Houston can fix.
What’s an Irrigation Audit, Anyway?
It’s basically a check-up for your sprinkler system. Just like you take your car in for an oil change, your irrigation system needs regular checks. We look at how water is flowing, where it's going, and where it’s not going.
In Houston, where the weather can shift fast—one week it’s flooding, the next we’re in a drought— wasting water can cost you. Not just on your water bill, but on dead grass, unhealthy plants, and even foundation damage.
Why It Matters in Houston
Houston’s not easy on lawns. Between the clay soil in neighborhoods like Katy and Cypress, and the brutal sun in places like Sugar Land and Pasadena, it’s tough to keep your yard green without wasting a ton of water.
The City of Houston even has water conservation guidelines, especially during the summer months. An irrigation audit helps you stay within the rules and avoid fines or restrictions when drought conditions hit.
➡️ City of Houston Water Conservation Guidelines
What We Actually Do During an Audit
When we visit your yard—whether you’re in Spring Branch, Meyerland, or down in Pearland—we check for things like:
- Sprinkler heads that are broken or tilted
- Areas that are too dry or too soggy
- Leaks underground that you can’t see
- Zones that run too long or not long enough
- Water hitting the sidewalk instead of the grass
We measure how much water your system puts out and how evenly it’s spread. Think of it like checking if you're pouring a glass of water... or dumping a bucket on one side and barely dripping on the other.
Real Story: The Alief Backyard That Turned It All Around
One of my favorite jobs was in Alief—a couple had just moved in and were redoing everything. They had these gorgeous new plants, but two weeks later, most of them looked fried. Turns out, one of their sprinkler zones wasn’t coming on at all, and another was running for 45 minutes. Their timer box had glitched during a storm.
After the audit, we reset the zones, fixed two busted heads, and added a smart controller that adjusts watering based on the weather. Three weeks later, their yard looked like a different place. I still get Christmas cards from them.
What It Can Save You
💧 Water – Houston’s water isn’t cheap. Overwatering just drains your wallet.
🪴 Plants – If you're re-sodding or planting new landscaping, bad irrigation can ruin it fast.
⏱ Time – No more dragging hoses around the yard or guessing what’s going wrong.
💸 Repairs – Leaks and bad water flow can crack foundations and cause mold near your home’s slab.
Smart Irrigation Is Becoming the Norm
A lot of our customers are switching to smart controllers—especially in newer areas like Bridgeland and the Energy Corridor. These systems adjust based on rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions. Some even let you run zones from your phone.
And yeah, some of these systems can be pricey upfront, but when you look at how much water they save (we’ve seen 30–50% drops in monthly usage), they pay off fast.
When to Get an Irrigation Audit in Houston
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
If it’s been more than a year since someone checked your system, it’s time.
Also, consider one if:
- You just moved in
- Your water bill suddenly jumped
- You see brown spots or puddles
- Your sprinkler timer is acting weird
- You recently added new plants, sod, or landscaping
Houston Neighborhoods We Serve
We’re based in Houston and work all across town, including:
- Bellaire
- West University
- Garden Oaks / Oak Forest
- River Oaks
- Memorial
- The Woodlands
- Kingwood
- Clear Lake
We know the differences in soil, shade, water pressure—and we design irrigation setups to match.
How to Get Started
An irrigation audit usually takes about 60–90 minutes. We’ll walk your system with you, show you what’s working, and point out what’s not. You’ll get a report and a simple plan of action. If you want us to fix things, we can do it on the spot or schedule a time.
Just give us a call or send a text Ava Landscape 832-651-4072. No pressure. Sometimes, we just tweak one thing, and your yard bounces back. Other times, it needs more help. Either way, you’ll know what’s going on.
Final Thoughts
Irrigation audits might not sound exciting, but here’s the thing—they save money, save water, and make your yard look like you actually care.
Whether you're in Houston proper or out in Missouri City or Atascocita, we’re ready to help you figure out your system. Because no one wants to stand out in the neighborhood for having the worst lawn on the block.
Want your yard to finally work right?
Let’s start with an irrigation audit.
Helpful Resources:
- Houston Water Wise
- Texas A&M AgriLife – Lawn Watering Tips
- Houston Weather Forecast (NOAA)
Need help now?
We’re just a call or text away 832-651-4072. Let’s get your lawn working with Houston’s weather— not against it.