Irrigation system maintenance is many times buried in a HOA’s annual budget in general landscaping and the master water category. But nonetheless an irrigation system is a crucial aspect of an HOA’s systems. So the HOA board needs to have an overview of the system.

Irrigation systems should be inspected every year for problems and reviewed for water usage efficiencies. When irrigation systems are initially installed, they are setup to cover plants, trees, etc and these planting situations can change over time. This is especially the case with large shrubs or trees which may no longer need an irrigation system or need as much water as they mature in size and age. For example, trees may have grown over time and are now shading areas that were once exposed to direct sunlight. This growth development may eliminate the need for an irrigation system or may allow for a reduction in water usage.

The irrigation system should be winterized by the landscaping company in the fall at the end of the season. Irrigation systems may not seem like a large expenditure but a typical system can use thousands of gallons in a season. This is definitely a topic for the landscaping committee to investigate with the lawn maintenance contractor for specific guidance.

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