How long should sprinklers run in Florida?
Seems like a simple enough question, right?
Well, it isn’t.
Ask most any irrigation expert and you better have a pen and paper handy, plus a thermometer, a wind gauge, a calendar, a slide rule, and maybe your high school algebra book.
Or, stick with us. We’ll give you two ways to make your irrigation watering schedule pretty easy.
The First Way: Low Tech Measuring
Put an empty can out on your lawn when you start to water.
Aim for 3/4 inch of water per week. That’s actually a more accurate method than trying to set your sprinkler timer for proper watering, because so many variables can affect timing, from wind to temperature.
When the temperature is above 80 degrees, water twice a week until you reach 3/4 inch.
When the temperature is below 80 degrees, water once a week until you get this amount. 
What days? Orange County decides your irrigation watering schedule for you, built into their watering restrictions.
From March 14-November 6, 2021 homes with odd- numbered addresses can water Wednesday and Saturday. Homes with even numbers can water Thursday and Sunday.
From November 7, 2021 through March 12, 2022, homes with odd numbers can water Saturday. Homes with even-numbered addresses can water Sunday.
The Second Way: High-tech Measuring
Don’t feel like messing around with measuring, or fishing around in the recycling bin for an empty can? We don’t blame you.
Let a smart irrigation system set your irrigation watering schedule for you.
How long to run sprinkler zones in Apopka?
Relax — your smart controller is watering your property accurately and precisely, based on your property’s specific needs. It takes temperature and wind into consideration, along with the local weather forecast. Is your yard sunny or shady? It factors that in, too.
A smart irrigation system will save you from wasting water, too. Here in Central Florida, with a year-round growing season, water waste here and there can add up to a significant cost in your water bill.
So, Is the Exact Amount of Water Really Important?
How long to run sprinkler zones in Orlando?
Is it really that important?
Well, yes.
If your lawn doesn’t get enough water, it will turn brown and die. Then you’ve lost your entire investment.
Chinch bugs love dry grass. You won’t love them. The rude little bugs with the white stripe will kill patches of grass or your lawn. They especially love St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses.
Water too little, and your turf’s roots will stay close to the surface. Shallow roots aren’t healthy. Water deeply, less often, and your lawn’s roots will grow deeper and stronger.
There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Water
Sorry to complicate things, but too much water isn’t good, either.
If you water too much, you invite pests and diseases.
Over-watering encourages thatch, a layer of partially decomposed plant material that forms a dense mat between your lawn and the soil. Thatch prevents water and oxygen from reaching your lawn’s roots.
Too much watering also encourages brown patch, a lawn fungus that thrives when your lawn is wet and the weather is hot and humid. It appears as irregular brownish-yellow circular patches in the lawn from six inches to several feet in diameter.
None of This Matters if Your Irrigation System Isn’t Working
How long to run sprinkler zones in Orlando?
Whether you’re kneeling in your grass measuring your 3/4 inches of sprinkler water or asking your smart irrigation system to do it for you, the first thing you need is dependable irrigation.
Here in Central Florida, it doesn’t take long for a healthy green lawn or landscape to turn brown and die without enough water.
That’s why proper maintenance year-round is crucial.
Valves leak. Heads get clogged or broken. Your controller might be set all wrong for the season.
An irrigation technician checks for all of these things, and more, including testing each zone to make sure it’s working properly and no areas are too wet or too dry.
And they’ll catch any potential problems before they turn into big, expensive repairs.
How Long Should Sprinklers Run in Florida? Trust Ground Source
Figuring out how long sprinklers should run in Orlando is complicated.
Stop stressing and give us a call.
Our skilled technicians can quickly diagnose any problems, get your sprinkler system running on schedule, and equip your system with upgrades to help you manage all this timing so you can relax and enjoy your yard.
We’re irrigation experts, but our skills don’t stop there.
We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.
