When to Water Your Lawn in Florida
Figuring out how often and when to water your lawn can be a challenging task, especially living in Florida. Florida's climate is hot and humid, so your grass may need some extra attention and watering due to the heat. However, overwatering your lawn can have negative effects as well. To find the perfect irrigation schedule for your Cape Coral, or southwest Florida home, follow our tips below. Our lawn care experts have compiled a schedule for the best time to water your lawn in Florida.
Cape Coral Irrigation Schedule
It has been proven that lawn damage is caused more often by overwatering than by underwatering. Weeds and diseases are examples of problems caused by excessive watering. Based on the average program calculations, we recommend the following schedule for each zone. Following this irrigation schedule and duration should allow for a deeper development of turf roots, greater soil moisture storage, and promote a more drought-tolerant turf. As a note, always remember to observe local water restrictions and regulations.
The City of Cape Coral Watering Day Schedule:
- Front: Zone-(rotors) : 30 to 40 minutes
- Rear: Zone-(rotors) : 30 to 40 minutes
- Side: Zone-(mist) : 20 to 30 minutes
- Side: Zone-(mist) : 20 to 30 minutes
As a rule of thumb, the best time to water your lawn is during the morning hours before sunrise, approximately 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Based on the average lawn and soil type, we recommend the following schedule for the number of days for water application. Below is the recommended irrigation cycles per week, based on month:
- January = 1
- February = 1
- March = 1
- April = 2
- May = 2
- June = 2
- July = 2
- August = 2
- September = 2
- October = 1
- November = 1
- December = 1
Cape Coral Watering Schedule
All residents in Cape Coral are allowed to water two days each week regardless of the source of the irrigation water. If you use the city’s dual-water system or a private well, you must follow the two-day watering schedule. See the schedule below for your days and times. The “address” is the last number of your “house” address. For example, if your address is 1926 SW 15th Avenue, the “6” in 1926 is the guiding number.
Here is the two-day schedule that is in effect for all of Cape Coral:
Properties or developments up to and including five acres in size with irrigation systems that must irrigate multiple properties with different watering times will be allowed to water on Monday and Friday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. This includes but is not limited to duplexes, multi-family units, compound use, and mixed-use units. Properties or developments more than five acres in size with irrigation systems that simultaneously irrigate multiple properties with different watering times shall be allowed to water on Monday and Friday from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. This includes but is not limited to multi-family, compound-use, and mixed-use units.
The following uses of irrigation water are permitted at any time:
- Pressure washing, car, truck, or trailer washing, boat washing, and flushing boat motors after saltwater use.
- Hand watering using low-volume irrigation methods.
- Water use for cleaning, adjusting, and repair of irrigation systems provided that an attendant is on-site and for not more than ten minutes per week for the entire irrigation system (if the irrigation system is not divided into areas or “zones”) or for not more than ten minutes per area or “zone” per week (if the irrigation system is divided into areas or “zones”).
- Irrigation integral to an ongoing business enterprise, such as a golf course (greens, tees, and fairways only), a nursery, or agricultural operations, is permitted to the extent necessary to reasonably meet the business’s minimum agronomic needs and for freeze or heat damage protection.
- Watering of new lawns and landscaping during a 45 day establishment period shall be permitted on any day of the week from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Watering Your Lawn After Rain
When there is significant rainfall (greater than a half of an inch) between irrigation cycles, do not water your lawn until the correct number of days have passed since the rainfall. This will require manual adjustments to automatic systems unless the system is equipped with rain shut off the device. Search your model on Google or on YouTube to learn how to set your irrigation timer. Your lawn will signal a need for water by folding the grass blades together. When 30 to 40 percent of the lawn shows this symptom of wilt, it’s time to water. Research has shown irrigation “as needed” can save significant amounts of water and will not diminish the quality of the lawn. Roadside areas, however, may require more water than shaded areas due to the heat of the road and evaporation.
Cape Coral Mowing Recommendations
Mow your grass 3 to 4 inches high. The higher a lawn is mowed, the deeper the roots system will grow. A deep extensive root system is able to reach moisture deeper in the soil and is more capable of withstanding damage from soil-borne pests like nematodes and root diseases. A high cut also shades roots and discourages weeds.
Drought and Fertilization Tips For Your Cape Coral Lawn
At a minimum, you should fertilize your turf two times a year. This should take place ideally in the Spring and Fall. If you're looking for a fertilization service in Cape Coral or the surrounding areas, check out Tony's Pest Control! Our fertilization program will provide constant nourishment year-round. If your lawn is experiencing drought, insects may also be at play. Insects diminish the lawn's ability to absorb and conduct water. If you're not sure if this is the issue, or just want more information, contact Tony’s or get more information on our lawn care service. We are dedicated to maintaining the health and beauty of your lawn with our lawn care in Cape Coral and the surrounding area. Contact our team of professional lawn care technicians to learn more today!