HOW TO PROPERLY WATER YOUR LAWN IN CENTRAL FL

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

The best way to properly water your lawn? Let the grass tell you when it needs it. But since grass can’t talk, you have to look closely at signs and signals of exactly what your lawn needs to stay green and healthy.

However, this can be time-consuming, even for lawn enthusiasts. Lawn care professionals help you get back that time and give it the care it needs. At Heron Home & Outdoor, we specialize in Florida lawn care services, providing expert lawn maintenance guides to keep your yard looking pristine and healthy, preserving the health of your lawn, plants, and shrubs, and protecting your outdoor spaces from lawn pests. 

How Often and How Long Should I Water My Lawn?

The short answer is that you should water your lawn at least once a week with about one inch of water. However, as the seasons change, the frequency of watering will also change. This means you should look for the first sign of wilt (browning). You will see the leaf blades fold in half lengthwise and an area appears blue-gray. 

Another indicator in this area will be when your footprints remain long after being made. You should see this before you water. Not applying water at this time will result in the decline of brown areas and the emergence of drought-tolerant weeds. Applying water prematurely will result in aquatic weeds such as dollar weed and sedge.

When Is the Best Time to Water My Lawn?

Water your lawn in the early morning hours, around 3 a.m., after the dew has formed but before sunrise. You should be finished no later than 9:00 a.m. Watering at the proper time helps reduce fungus, evaporation, and wasted water.

How Much Water Does My Lawn Need?

Generally, you will need to water ¾ of an inch per zone, each time you water. It’s important that you apply enough water to wet the entire root zone, which is eight to twelve inches deep. 

One of the most important components of a healthy lawn is the amount of water you apply. However, every irrigation system is different. You can test how much water your system is applying per zone by placing cylindrical containers in various spots throughout your lawn:

• Make sure that all containers are the same size and that there is one placed in each zone of your system.
• Turn on each zone separately and allow it to run full-time. By the end of your irrigation system’s full cycle, each cup should hold at least ¾” of water.
• If some of the cups are not holding that much water, you should adjust your system as necessary to make sure that all zones are receiving the same amount of water and adequate coverage.
• Depending on your system, the average run time per zone will be 25 minutes to 125 minutes.
• Once each zone is tested and you determine the ideal watering time required, this is the length of time you should always run your system when the first sign of wilt appears.

These recommendations are based on the fact that there are no water restrictions. Please adhere to your local ordinances.

Why Does My Lawn Have Dry Patches?

During dry conditions, you may start to notice brown spots forming in your lawn. Those spots are your lawn signaling you that it’s not receiving enough water in those areas. 

Be sure to check the irrigation in those spots to ensure proper coverage. Do not rely on seeing the water hit those areas. Follow this advice to be sure that your lawn is receiving at least ¾” of water in those dry spots. If it’s not, then adjust your system as necessary to ensure that your lawn is getting proper coverage and enough water.

Florida Lawn Care with Heron Home & Outdoor

Getting the right amount of water at the right times comes with a chance of getting dry or dead grass. But bringing in lawn professionals makes this much easier – and they can figure out exactly what your lawn needs with a proper watering system.

From general guidance on the best time of day to water your garden, to specific advice on drip irrigation and which types of grass will thrive in the Florida climate or changing seasons. Trust Heron Home & Outdoor’s experts to help you make the most of your outdoor space. 

Call us today for a free service quote!

Back to Lawn Service