Cooler nights do not mean roots have stopped needing water. Check the soil and adjust the schedule as the weather changes.
September can still deliver hot, dry afternoons in metro Atlanta. Newly installed trees and shrubs have small root systems, and containers dry faster than established beds. Let the soil, recent rain, and plant condition guide the next watering rather than changing every timer on the first cool morning.
Check before you water
Feel several inches into the root zone near the plant, away from the stem. If it is still damp, wait and check again. If it is dry, water slowly and deeply enough to reach the roots. A brief sprinkle over the mulch does little for a new planting.
Watch the system run
Look for spray hitting leaves or pavement, blocked heads, runoff, and one zone receiving much more than another. Correct coverage before extending run times. In heavy clay, pause between shorter cycles if water begins to run off.
Give new plants closer attention
Inspect recent plantings and pots more often than established shrubs. Reduce watering gradually as the weather cools and roots establish, but keep checking during dry spells. Wilting can also come from wet, poorly drained roots, so always inspect the soil first.
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