How do I program the irrigation controller installed by a landscaping company?

The first step is to note the make and model of your irrigation controller. Most manuals are available online, often with step-by-step instructions. Begin by setting the date and time correctly, since all schedules run from that clock. Next, assign watering days that comply with your city’s water restrictions—Salt Lake and Davis Counties often limit watering to certain days. Then program runtimes by zone, based on plant type: turf zones usually need shorter, more frequent cycles, while drip irrigation for trees or shrubs should run longer but less often. If your controller includes a seasonal adjust function, use it to automatically scale runtimes up or down as the weather shifts. Many newer models connect to phone apps, making it easier to monitor and adjust schedules. Ask your contractor to label each zone (front lawn, back beds, trees) so you know exactly what you’re programming. Keep a starter schedule in writing until you’re comfortable making adjustments yourself.