Hi, I'm Isaac, the owner of Ready 2 Mow here in Seminole. When the summer storms start to fade, a lot of lawns around here go from getting soaked almost every afternoon to getting a lot less rain. But many sprinkler timers are still set the same way they were months ago. That can mean wasted water on some lawns and thirsty grass on others. Here's how I think about watering in the fall.
Watch your grass, not just the calendar
The best way to know if your lawn needs water is to look at it. St. Augustine and other Florida grasses give you some pretty clear signs when they're thirsty:
- Folded blades. The grass blades start to fold or curl in half lengthwise.
- A gray or bluish color. Instead of looking bright green, the lawn turns a dull, grayish shade.
- Footprints that stay. Walk across the yard. If your footprints are still there a while later, the grass doesn't have enough water to bounce back.
If you see these signs in a few spots, that's when it's time to water. If the lawn looks fine and the soil still feels damp, you can probably wait.
Water deep, and less often
A quick sprinkle every day mostly wets the top of the soil. The roots stay shallow, and shallow roots dry out fast. It's usually better to give the lawn a good, deep soak and then let it dry out a bit before the next watering. That helps the roots grow deeper, which makes the grass tougher when we go a while without rain.
Our sandy soil here in Pinellas County drains quickly, so you don't want so much water that it runs down the sidewalk or into the street. If you see runoff, try splitting your watering time into two shorter cycles back to back so the water has time to soak in.
Pick the right time of day
Early morning is the best time to water. It's cooler and usually less windy, so less water evaporates before it reaches the roots. The grass also has the whole day to dry off.
Watering in the evening can leave the lawn wet all night, which can make it easier for fungus to show up. Watering in the middle of a hot afternoon loses a lot of water to the sun and wind.
Check your sprinkler system
Fall is a great time to walk your yard while your sprinklers run. Here's what I look for:
- Heads spraying the driveway, street or house instead of the grass. A small turn can fix a lot of these.
- Broken or clogged heads that leave dry, brown patches.
- Heads blocked by plants. Shrubs and tall flower beds grow over the summer and can block the spray. Keeping shrubs trimmed back helps the water get where it needs to go.
- A rain sensor that works. If your system has one, make sure it's not covered up or broken, so the sprinklers skip a run after a good rain.
If something looks broken, it's a good idea to have an irrigation pro take a look.
Adjust your timer when the weather changes
As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, grass grows slower and usually needs less water. When it rains, you can turn the system off for a few days. Checking your timer every month or so during the fall is an easy habit that can save water and keep your lawn healthier.
Also, be sure to follow any local watering rules. Rules about which days and times you can water can change, so your city or county website is the best place to check what applies to your address.
Don't forget the mowing
Watering and mowing work together. Grass that's cut too short dries out faster, because the soil gets more sun. Keeping your St. Augustine a little taller helps shade the soil and hold moisture in. Sharp mower blades help too, since a clean cut heals faster than a ragged one, and that keeps the grass from losing extra water.
Overwatering has its own problems
More water isn't always better. Too much water can lead to soggy spots, fungus, and shallow roots. It can also help weeds take over in thin areas. If parts of your yard stay squishy for days after watering, you may want to cut back on that zone.
Want help keeping your yard looking good?
I can't fix sprinkler systems, but I can keep your lawn mowed at a good height, edge everything nice and clean, trim the shrubs back so your sprinklers can do their job, pull weeds by hand, and haul away the yard debris. I'm insured, owner-operated, and I accept any form of payment.
Quotes are always free. Call or text me at (727) 304-7803, or request a free quote online. I serve Seminole, Bay Pines, the Redingtons, Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Largo and west St. Pete.
Thanks for reading!
Isaac, Ready 2 Mow