Preparing Your Yard for Summer with Rachio

Summer is right around the corner, and that means more time outdoors, greener grass underfoot, and—if you're not careful—a spike in your water bill. The good news? With Rachio's smart irrigation systems, you can keep your lawn lush and green all summer long while conserving water and saving money.

Whether you're a seasoned lawn care enthusiast or a new homeowner looking to simplify your outdoor maintenance, this guide will help you prep your yard the smart way using Rachio’s smart sprinkler controller and app-based features.

Step 1: Assess Your Lawn's Summer Needs

Start by testing the soil with a MySoil Test Kit. This will provide you data on the nutrient levels of your yard so that you can apply the right type of fertilizer. No more guesswork, just data-driven decisions.

Step 2: Automate Efficient Watering Schedules

Rachio's smart sprinkler controller allows you to automate a seasonally optimized watering plan with just a few taps.

Best Practices for Summer:

  • Water early in the morning (before sunrise) to reduce evaporation
  • Upgrade to efficient rotary nozzles for deep, slower watering
  • Adjust zone run times for sun-exposed areas vs. shaded ones

Step 3: Monitor and Adapt Using the Rachio App

With the Rachio App, you’ll always have your lawn in your pocket:

  • Receive weather skip notifications
  • Get recommendations for seasonal adjustments
  • Pause or skip watering during local restrictions or unexpected storms

Unlike traditional systems, Rachio gives you full visibility and control over your watering.

Step 4: Level Up with Sustainable Landscaping

Summer prep is the perfect time to rethink how your landscaping supports long-term sustainability.

Here’s how to take it a step further:

  • Mulch garden beds to reduce soil moisture loss.
  • Choose drought-resistant plants like native grasses and ornamental perennials.
  • Use Rachio’s Smart Hose Timer for flexible irrigation in garden beds and flower pots.

Final Thought: Smart Yard, Smart Summer

A well-prepared lawn is a happy lawn and Rachio makes it effortless to achieve. With the power of smart home irrigation, you can enjoy a vibrant yard this summer without the hassle, guesswork, or water waste.