Should You Turn Off Irrigation When It Rains in San Diego?
If you live in North County San Diego, winter rain can leave homeowners wondering: Should I turn off my irrigation system when it rains—or let it keep running?
The short answer is yes, in most cases, your irrigation should be turned off or adjusted during rainy weather. Southern California’s climate makes smart water management especially important, and failing to adjust your system can lead to water waste, landscape damage, and even fines.
Here’s what every San Diego homeowner should know.
Why Running Irrigation During Rain Is a Problem
San Diego landscapes are designed for efficiency, not excess water. When irrigation runs during rainfall, it can cause:
Oversaturated soil
Root rot in plants and lawns
Increased weed growth
Runoff into streets and storm drains
Higher water bills
In fact, many local water agencies discourage watering during or immediately after rainfall to prevent waste and runoff.
How Much Rain Is “Enough” to Turn Off Irrigation?
As a general rule:
¼ inch or more of rain usually replaces at least one irrigation cycle
Multiple rainy days may allow irrigation to stay off for a full week
However, this depends on:
Soil type
Slope and drainage
Plant material
Lawn type (cool-season vs warm-season grass)
This is why a one-size-fits-all irrigation schedule doesn’t work in North County.
Winter Irrigation in Southern California Is Still Necessary
Here’s the part many homeowners get wrong:
Rain does not eliminate the need for irrigation—it just reduces it.
During winter, irrigation should be:
Less frequent
Shorter run times
Adjusted to weather conditions
Completely shutting off irrigation for weeks at a time can stress plants, especially during dry winter stretches between storms.
Smart Irrigation Adjustments for Rainy Weather
Professional landscape maintenance during winter typically includes:
Temporarily turning off irrigation during storms
Adjusting controllers for seasonal schedules
Checking rain sensors (many don’t work properly)
Inspecting for leaks caused by saturated soil
Preventing runoff on slopes and hardscapes
These adjustments protect your landscape and help you stay water-wise.
What Happens If You Don’t Adjust Your Irrigation?
Failing to manage irrigation during rainy weather can lead to:
Lawn fungus and disease
Weak root systems
Washed-out mulch and soil
Increased weed problems in spring
Many of the “spring landscaping problems” we see actually start in winter.
Professional Irrigation & Landscape Maintenance in North County San Diego
At Goodman’s Landscaping LLC, we provide full-service landscape care tailored to Southern California’s climate. Our winter maintenance services include irrigation adjustments, seasonal cleanups, trimming, and proactive care to keep your property healthy year-round.
📞 Call 442-488-6578 today for a free estimate and let us make sure your landscape is protected—rain or shine.
