Established turf only needs ½ -¾ inch of water per week. Established turf refers to grass that has developed a root system that is usually capable of sustaining itself through natural rainfall, except in extreme environmental conditions – like long periods of drought with less than average rainfall.
The turf’s water requirement can be provided by the irrigation system or from rainfall. If rainfall satisfies the requirement, you can save money by switching off your irrigation system or skipping a watering event.
- Our Recommendation: Get a basic rain gauge so you can measure the rainfall. If rainfall provides 1/2 and 3/4 (one-half to three-fourths) inch or more of water weekly, you’ve just watered your turf for free!
Rain Sensors
Reminder: All automatic irrigation systems need an operational shut-off device once a certain amount of rainfall is detected, like a rain sensor, as required by law in the state of Florida. This device helps to save money, sustain your irrigation system, and ensure that your turf does not become overwatered, which may lead to pest and disease issues.
- Look for a rain sensor online or at your nearby home improvement store that carries irrigation products.
Florida Statute 373.62 states: “Any person who operates an automatic landscape irrigation system shall properly install, maintain, and operate technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture”. Read more about Residential Irrigation System Rainfall Shutoff Devices, or Rain Sensors. (ABE325/AE221)
- Learn how these controllers work: AE437/AE437: Smart Irrigation Controllers: How Do Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS) Systems Work?
Lawns & Turf
Established turf is typically resilient and may naturally bounce back to vibrant, lush green when the temperatures rise with the rainfall. Lawns benefit from deep, infrequent waterings that wet the root zone. Read more about this concept: SL533/SS748: Improving Turfgrass Health: Proper Irrigation Techniques
- Visit this UF/IFAS resource to learn how to foster deep roots: ENH9/LH025: Watering Your Florida Lawn
Mow less frequently, if possible, following best mowing practices.
- Use sharp blades
- Sharpen blades frequently to cut and not tear leaf blades
- Adjust the cutting height to the turf’s optimal mowing height (see table below)
- Leave grass clippings evenly distributed on the grass, if possible
Healthy Lawns
To encourage healthy turf, mow at the highest recommended height for your turf species. Each species has a different optimal mowing height, because of each species is unique, see the table below to find the optimal mow height for your turfgrass species.
- Note: turf ‘wilts’ midday as a natural defense against Florida’s sun and is not a true sign of dehydration.
Read this UF/IFAS resource to learn more about mowing: Mowing Your Florida Lawn – Gardening Solutions. Table from Mowing Your Florida Lawn – Gardening Solutions.
| Turfgrass Species | Optimal Mowing Height (inches) | Mowing Frequency (days) | Preferred Mower Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahiagrass | 3.0-4.0 | 7-17 | Rotary/ flail |
| Bermudagrass | .5-1.5 | 3-5 | Reel |
| Carpetgrass | 1.5-2.0 | 10-14 | Rotary |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5-2.0 | 10-14 | Rotary/ reel |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5-4.0* | 5-14 | Rotary |
| Zoysiagrass | 1.0-3.0 | 10-14 | Reel |
| * Dwarf varieties of St. Augustinegrass (Seville, Jade, Palmetto, Delmar) are the only cultivars of this species that should be mowed at less than 3 | |||
Table from Mowing Your Florida Lawn – Gardening Solutions
Bahia Lawns
Bahia is a very resilient turfgrass species that forms deep root systems, so bahia turfgrass rarely needs supplemental watering or fertilizer. Bahia is best for the homeowner who wants a low-maintenance lawn that needs little to no supplemental waterings and fertilizer applications.
-
- Bahiagrass-for-Florida-Lawns.pdf
- Read more about low-maintenance home landscapes
Stay tuned to learn more about how to water in drought!
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Resources
- Florida. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/states/florida
- Historical Rankings Map. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/historical-rankings
- Local Drought and Rainfall Information. https://drought.gov/data-maps-tools
- Pasco County Conditions. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/county/pasco-florida
- WSO Phase II FAQs (PDF). Southwest Florida Water Management District. WSO Phase II FAQs.pdf
- District Declares Modified Phase II Water Shortage. WaterMatters.org. https://www.watermatters.org
- Water Resources. Southwest Florida Water Management District. https://www.watermatters.org/water-resources
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