Most problems with turf and plant health are caused by too much or too little water. Over-watering suffocates the root system and increases susceptibility to diseases, insects and weeds. Not watering enough results in drought damage and sod replacement. Your lawn will show drought symptoms before injury or death occurs.

Drought Symptoms: Leaf blades in turf fold in half lengthwise and footprints remain visible after walking on turf. Plants begin to wilt or outer leaf edges turn brown. Color becomes pale.

Ideally, turf and plants should be watered on an as-needed basis once drought symptoms are observed. The next best option is automatic irrigation with a wireless rain sensor. A rain sensor must be installed and functioning correctly (FL Statute 373.62).

Watering Restrictions For St Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts

Time of Year Odd Numbered Homes Even Numbered Homes Nonresidential
Daylight Saving Time* Wednesday / Saturday Thursday / Sunday Tuesday / Friday
Eastern Standard Time** Saturday Sunday Tuesday
*Second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November
** First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March

Failure to follow watering restrictions can result in a fine from your county or city.

  • Irrigation for a new landscape is allowed any time for the first 30 days and hand watering is allowed anytime.
  • Watering in of pest control products is allowed anytime within 24 hours of application.

The best time to water your lawn and shrubs is before sunrise between 5 am and 9 am. Always apply between ½” to ¾” of water per zone (about 30 to 45 minutes per zone for rotors and 15 to 20 minutes per zone for sprays if you have sufficient head-to-head coverage in full sun areas).

It is very important that you have adequate coverage and your irrigation heads rise above the turf. Most systems have 4” sprays and must be replaced with 6” sprays when mowing turf at 4 inches. Call Land Shark Pest Control if you are interested in a free quote for our quarterly irrigation maintenance service or a free irrigation system analysis.

If you have any questions please call or text Land Shark Pest Control at 407-580-8703