10 Irrigation Tips for Florida Homeowners
Maintaining a beautiful outdoor space can be challenging, given Florida's hot, often sandy, and diverse weather conditions. However, you can achieve the best results with these ten unique and exciting tips. Here are ten landscape tips for every Florida homeowner.
1. Make the most of the winter months
When you live in Florida, you must make the most of the winter months to fix or upgrade any outdoor landscaping you have. These months are especially ideal for upgrading or setting up any irrigation system you have, from the sprinklers to the pump station. If you don't already have an irrigation system in place, the winter months are also ideal for considering an intelligent irrigation solution.
2. Avoid spikes in your water bill by carrying out a water audit
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, even a 1/32-inch diameter hole in a faucet, emitter, or hose can lead to over 6,000 gallons of water waste in just one year. If you want to avoid a spike in your water bill and any environmental errors, requesting a total water audit at least once every two to three years is a good idea.
3. Understand the importance of monthly maintenance
Carry out wet checks and thoroughly inspect your system's cleaning parts and nozzles. Having an audit once in a while should be one of many health checkups for your irrigation system. Monthly maintenance should also be included to check for any faults.
4. Make sure you are watering the right areas
When taking care of your landscaping, one of the basics to check for is to ensure that your water is reaching the right areas. Accidental irrigation of sidewalks or parking lots is a standard error in Florida. This is not just a waste of money but also an environmental concern. So make sure to check whether the water is hitting the right spot.
5. Look at creating an adequate watering schedule
Few people know that the best time to water your plants is between 4 am and 10 am. This is not only because other residents or passers-by will avoid getting sprayed by water, but the calmer winds and cooler temperatures in Florida during this time help the water soak into the soil better, and it gets absorbed by the roots well before the sun rises, and the process of evaporation begins.
6. When it comes to sprinklers, remember that less is more
Another tip to ensure excellent water penetration into the root system is to have a deep but infrequent irrigation strategy for your yard. This means you should be looking at giving an inch of water weekly. This can be given either all at once or split into two sessions.
7. Have a water-conscious landscape design
The best and most efficient irrigation system helps you build a mini ecosystem inside your landscape. Well-maintained and established trees only need a little hydration compared to their newer counterparts. This is why timers can help meet the unique needs of various plants in your yard.
A water-conscious landscape can be designed entirely with an irrigation and water delivery system to provide the best irrigation possible to your yard.
8. Use non-potable water sources
It is a good idea to use reclaimed water in your yard. This will not only save money but also help conserve water. Wastewater treatment plants in Florida have been removing pollutants from the state's water for many decades. This is why the water is safe to use for irrigation.
9. Keep in mind Florida's weather
Summer showers will keep your yard well-hydrated in Florida and may even make you think that your irrigation system is redundant in this weather. However, remember that irrigation in Florida is not seasonal. So, no matter the weather, remember to tweak your irrigation strategy to keep your lawns hydrated.
10. Upgrade your system if needed
There are more innovative and newer gadgets on the market every month. Adding a timer or a moisture sensor to your lawn can be a great way to boost efficiency and also save money. If your budget allows, it is a great idea to keep up with the new technology and upgrade your system as you go along.
