The best way is to constantly monitor rainfall and adjust your irrigation accordingly. Since our weather patterns change constantly.

Since nobody does this, at a minimum, I recommend changing your irrigation at every time change. In conjunction with using a rain sensor.

In November change your water to once per week.

In March change your water to twice per week. We have a drought every year and sometimes you have to add days to your watering schedule. If it gets so dry that you need to water your lawn everyday then water your lawn everyday. Just don’t forget to change it back to a normal schedule when normal rain patterns return.

Even though our area receives an average of 50-60 inches of rain annually, it doesn’t always fall consistently. Rain sensors ensure your lawn gets the right amount of water, not too much and not too little. This helps your lawn develop a deeper root system, reducing reliance on irrigation during drier periods.

No, overwatering can actually harm your St. Augustine grass. Constant moisture weakens the root system, making it more susceptible to drought, pests, and diseases. Rain sensors prevent overwatering and encourage your lawn to develop deeper roots in search of moisture during dry spells.

Deeper roots make your lawn more resilient to drought stress, pests, and diseases. They also allow your grass to access nutrients and moisture stored deeper in the soil.

Healthy lawns with robust root systems are naturally more resistant to weed invasion. By promoting deeper roots and preventing overwatering, rain sensors can help reduce weed problems.

This often allows us to use spot-spraying for weeds instead of treating the entire lawn with less-targeted weed and feed applications.

Overwatering washes away excess nutrients and fertilizers from your lawn. This runoff can pollute the lagoon, disrupting its delicate ecosystem and contributing to harmful algal blooms.

-Shallow root growth
-Patches of brown or yellow grass
-Increased presence of weeds like dollarweed, sedgegrass, and crabgrass
-Fungal diseases

Consider a Mycorrhizal Treatment, which promotes deeper root growth and nutrient uptake.

Mow your lawn at the recommended height for St. Augustine or Zoysia grass.

Both have similar health effects.

Both create dependence: Just like sugary drinks provide a quick burst of energy, excessive watering gives your lawn a temporary boost. However, over time, both habits make it harder for the body (or lawn) to function properly. The constant sugar intake disrupts your body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar, and the overwatering weakens the lawn’s root system, making it reliant on external water sources.

They hinder long-term health: A diet high in sugar can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes. Similarly, overwatering weakens the root system, making the lawn more susceptible to pests, diseases, and drought stress.

Just like a healthy human body needs a balanced diet and proper hydration, a healthy lawn needs the right amount of water to thrive. With proper watering practices and techniques like using a rain sensor, you can help your St. Augustine or Zoysia grass lawn develop a strong root system and natural resilience, just like a healthy body that functions at its best.

In most cases, yes! Many irrigation systems can be retrofitted with rain sensors.

Under $35.00 for a basic rain sensor.

Not at all! Rain sensors are designed to work with your irrigation system to provide the right amount of water, even during dry periods. The sensor will allow the system to water your lawn when needed, promoting deeper root growth that helps your lawn access moisture stored in the soil during drier times.

While rain sensors are fantastic for summer water conservation, they also play a crucial role in preventing root rot during winter. Florida’s winters are mild, but overwatering during this time can be detrimental. Saturated soil creates the perfect environment for fungal diseases like root rot to thrive. A rain sensor prevents overwatering by automatically pausing irrigation during and after winter rains, allowing the soil to drain properly. This helps keep the root system healthy and reduces the risk of root rot, ensuring your St. Augustine & Zoysia grass emerges vibrant and green come spring.

A Mycorrhizal Treatment can help reduce water usage and pollution in the Indian River Lagoon in a few key ways:

Improved Water Efficiency: Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. These fungi act like tiny extensions of the root system, helping plants absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. This improved efficiency means your St. Augustine grass needs less water overall to thrive.

Reduced Nutrient Runoff: Overwatering and excessive fertilization can lead to nutrient runoff from lawns. This runoff carries pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus into storm drains, ultimately ending up in the Indian River Lagoon.

By requiring less water, Mycorrhizal Treatment helps prevent overwatering and nutrient leaching. Additionally, mycorrhizae can help plants utilize existing nutrients in the soil more effectively, further reducing the need for fertilizers and minimizing potential runoff.

Stronger Root Systems: Mycorrhizae promote deeper root growth in your lawn. These deeper roots allow your grass to access moisture stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient during dry periods and less reliant on frequent watering. This reduces the overall amount of water needed to maintain a healthy lawn.

Improved Soil Health: Mycorrhizal fungi contribute to healthier soil by breaking down organic matter and increasing its water holding capacity. This healthier soil drains better and retains moisture more effectively, reducing the need for frequent watering and minimizing the risk of runoff.

In summary, Mycorrhizal Treatment promotes a more natural and sustainable approach to lawn care. By improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient runoff, and strengthening the root system, Mycorrhizal Treatment helps conserve water and protects the delicate ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon.

Halt the H2O: Stop watering your lawn completely. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.

Encourage Deeper Roots: Once the lawn dries, adjust your watering habits. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the water to penetrate several inches into the soil.
This encourages roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, making your lawn more resilient in the long run.

You should not water your lawn every day. Here’s why:

Overwatering Risks: Daily watering can lead to several problems for your St. Augustine grass in Florida, including: Shallow Root Systems: Constant moisture discourages roots from growing deep, making the lawn susceptible to drought, pests, and diseases.

Nutrient Loss: Excess water washes away essential nutrients from the soil, hindering your grass’s ability to thrive and potentially requiring more frequent fertilization.

Fungal Diseases: Overly moist conditions create a breeding ground for fungal diseases.

Weed Invasion: Overwatered lawns attract weeds that thrive in damp environments.

Supplemental Watering: Brevard and Indian River Counties receive an average of 50-60 inches of rain annually. While rainfall might not be evenly distributed, it significantly contributes to your lawn’s hydration needs. An irrigation system should act as a top-up during dry periods, not a primary water source.

How Often Should I Water?
The best approach is to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the water to penetrate several inches into the soil. This encourages roots to grow deeper for better access to moisture. Here are some tips:

Observe Your Lawn: Look for signs of thirst like wilting or dry soil before watering.

Feel the Soil: Stick your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Consider a Rain Sensor: These devices automatically pause your irrigation system during and after rainfall, preventing overwatering.

By adopting smarter watering practices, you can promote a healthier lawn, reduce water waste, and minimize any negative environmental impact on the Indian River Lagoon.

Fungal and shallow root issues are caused by:

-Rainfall

-Excessive Irrigation

-High Himidity