Lawn and Sprinkler care tips
Sprinkler Check
HOW TO KEEP YOUR IRRIGATION WORKING ITS BEST
- Watch your system run to be sure all sprinkler heads are working and that all zones are covered.
- Repair or replace broken sprinkler heads immediately.
- Prune plants or remove other obstacles blocking spray zones.
STRATEGIES FOR LAWN CARE
Many homeowners who experience lawn problems such as brown spots try more frequent watering or use more fertilizer without really knowing the cause. If the problem is due to disease or pests, that won’t help and can make it worse. It’s best to first try diagnosing the source.
A 3-Step Lawn Check-up
Check to be sure your irrigation system is working correctly.
If the area is receiving water, check with a reputable lawn care company or your local extension office to diagnose the problem.
If the problems continue, consider using a different turf type or an alternative ground cover for that space.
WATER SMART LAWN TIPS
MAKING EVERY DROP COUNT
Did you know that watering less can actually make your lawn healthier?
Lawns that are irrigated only when they need it develop deep; healthy root systems that help them withstand drought stress and make them less susceptible to pests and diseases.
Your Florida lawn probably doesn’t require as much water as you think.
By planning your irrigation based on the plant’s need – rather than a day of the week or a pre-set schedule – you can have a healthier, better looking lawn and make every drop count.
DON’T JUST SET IT AND FORGET IT Automatic irrigation systems are a great tool when used properly. However, setting the sprinklers to turn on automatically — whether your landscape needs it or not — can waste water and cause lawn problems. Consider switching your system off during Florida’s cooler winter months and during the summer rainy season.
LET YOUR LAWN TELL YOU WHEN IT NEEDS WATER Turn on your sprinklers only when your lawn shows signs of needing water — a grayish color, folded leaf blades and footprints that remain for several minutes. When you do irrigate, set sprinklers to provide about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water per zone.
Rise and shine… and water your lawn Irrigate early in the day, preferably before sunrise. This helps minimize evaporation loss and limits the time the lawn is wet, which reduces the potential for disease.
GET A RAIN GAUGE A rain gauge is a simple tool to use when deciding when to water. If 1/2 inch or more rain has recently fallen, empty the gauge, leave your controller off and delay the next watering.
Soil moisture sensors also can be installed to work with existing automatic systems to help regulate irrigation events based on the amount of moisture already present in the soil.
Mow smart A good rule of thumb is not to cut more than one-third the height at
any one time. Leave clippings on the lawn and sweep clippings back
onto the grass from sidewalks and driveways. These clippings help trap
moisture and release nutrients into the soil