ORLANDO, Fla. – April and May usually see less rainfall and currently, we’re sticking to that pattern.
With high temperatures and little rain, landscapes are feeling the affects of drought stress. While summer’s typical afternoon showers will come back, for now extra watering might be necessary.
Here are some simple tips to save water during this dry spell.
1. Adjust your sprinkler system’s settings. Even if you’re using a portable setup, it’s important to calibrate it.
2. Avoid excessive watering for newly-seeded lawns. Due to severe winter damage in local lawns, many homeowners are reseeding sections or entire lawns. Overwatering newly-seeded areas is a common mistake that can lead to disease issues. To establish new lawns, water multiple times daily for short durations (usually between five to 10 minutes). Once the grass has taken root, gradually extend watering periods and reduce frequency to promote deep root growth.
3. For efficient irrigation, do it early in the morning when there’s dew on the grass, ideally between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. This helps prevent diseases and saves water. Avoid watering in the late afternoon, as it’s the least effective time due to 65% of water applied mid-day evaporates.
4. Avoid fertilizing during a drought. Nitrogen fertilizers encourage new growth, which means more water is needed. Additionally, many fertilizers contain high salt levels and can damage grass if there’s not enough water. Wait until regular rainfall returns before fertilizing.
5. Use mulch in plant beds and around trees. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around plants to save water and lower soil temperatures. If drainage is poor, limit mulch to 1 to 2 inches. Mulch also fights weeds that vie with your plants for water. Keep a 2- or 3-inch gap around plant stems or trunks. For trees, extend mulch to the dripline
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